Bites & Sights: Columbia SC's Premier Visitors Guide

Dining, Attractions and Nightlife free-times.com/ restaurants

COLUMBIA’S PREMIER VISITORS GUIDE free-times.com/restaurants | Winter 2015-16

| freetimes

1 WINTER 2015-16

C onsider “old fashioned” a Compliment. and a darn good CoC ktail. ta ke the road less traveled. s av o r fa mously hot Columbia o ne bite at a t im e .

924-A Senate Street at the Hilton Columbia Center In Columbia’s Historic Vista District 803.212.6666 2

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Winter 2015-16 | free-times.com/restaurants

For Menus & Additional Information, visit RuthsChris.net

Get fresh with us.

Columbia’s most progressive restaurant invites you to step out of normal and step into SakiTumi.

Flavorful grill and incredible sushi with fresh fish delivered DAILY. Creative cocktails from our full service bar and great service in a casual atmosphere bursting with energy and great music. You’ll have to remind yourself you’re still in Columbia. Get fresh with us for dinner and drinks anytime.

803.931.0700 • SakiFresh.com SakiTumi Grill & Sushi • 807 Gervais St, Vista • Open Every Day @ 5pm

CONTENTS RESTAURANTS

6 American/Southern 6 Asian 8 Bagel/Bakery 8 Bar/Pub Food 8 Bistro/ New American 10 BBQ/Wings/Ribs 11 Breweries/ Brewpubs 11 Café/Coffee House 12 Cajun 12 Caribbean/Latin 12 Chinese 12 Deli 12 Dessert 13 Ethiopian 13 Food Trucks 13 French 13 German 13 Greek/ Mediterranean

13 Indian 13 Italian 14 Japanese/Sushi 14 Korean 14 Mexican 15 Middle Eastern 15 Pizza 15 Seafood 16 Steakhouse 16 Tapas 16 Thai 16 Vegetarian 16 Vietnamese

INDEX 17 Restaurants

by Region

Dining, Attractions and Nightlife free-times.com/ restaurants

Published by Resorts Media LLC 1534 Main St., Columbia, SC 29201 (803) 765.0707 (803) 765.0727 fax

free-times.com PUBLISHER: Charlie Nutt COLUMBIA’S PREMIER VISITORS GUIDE WINTER 2015-16

LISTINGS EDITOR: Jordan Lawrence

ON THE COVER Take 6 blondie and a Southern Chopped Bowl from Rise Gourmet Goods and Bakeshop (page 8).

Photo by Thomas Hammond.

LISTINGS: Xavier Edwards PRODUCTION MANAGER: Lisa Heinz DESIGNERS: Joey Ayer, Dre Lopez SALES MANAGER: Hyatt Drake ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES: Angie Bledsoe, Nicole Epps, Josh Findlay, Zoe Levy, Hunter Wise OFFICE MANAGER: Anton Dela Cruz GENERAL MANAGER: Jen Coody

PLAY & STAY 18 Calendar of Events 19 Attractions 26 Nightlife

EDITOR: Dan Cook FOOD EDITOR: Eva Moore

Did we list a restaurant that has closed? Did we overlook your favorite place? Let us know what you think: Email food@free-times.com.

Advertisers in Free Times Bites & Sights assume responsibility for the entire content and subject matter of all advertisements. In case of error or omissions in advertisement, the publisher’s sole liability shall be to publish the advertisement at a later date. Notice of error must be made within ten days of first insertion. Views expressed in Free Times Bites & Sights reflect the opinion of the individual writer or artist and are not necessarily those of Free Times. Unsolicited submissions are welcome, but may not be returned. © 2015 Resorts Media LLC. All rights reserved.

SERVING YOU SMILES FOR 36 YEARS! M Meatless Mondays TU Trivia Night | 8:30p

1/2 Price Wine W for Ladies TH Pint Night & Day NOW SERVING BRUNCH: SAT 10AM-2PM SUN 10-NOON

WE DELIVER T O U S C ’S C A M P U S See our FULL MENU at yesterdayssc.com

2030 DEVINE STREET | FIVE POINTS

4

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799.0196 | yesterdayssc.com

Winter 2015-16 | free-times.com/restaurants

Opening Dec. 16th 4410 Fort Jackson Blvd

Kingsman Restaurant

WEST COLUMBIA/CAYCE: 936 Axtell Dr. (Parkland Shopping Center), 803-796-8622

Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

This longtime Cayce favorite offers everything from fried appetizers, sandwiches, burgers, pizza and wings to salads, lasagna and even liver and onions. Known for its grilled rib eye, which is one of the city’s best. Serves liquor.

Busy lunch, lots of atmosphere. ¢.

Le Peep

AMERICAN/ SOUTHERN

Eggs Up Grill

Allean’s Southern Cuisine

Mon-Sun 6 a.m.-2 p.m.

A South Carolina chain devoted to breakfast foods, from waffles to omelets to loaded home-fry platters, plus lunch foods like burgers, sandwiches and wraps. All hail breakfast! ¢

alleanssoutherncuisine.com NORTHEAST: 5 Lake Carolina Way #130, 803-764-7944 Tue-Sat 11:30 a.m.-8 p.m.

Serves chicken wings, cornbread and a slew of sides familiar to Southern cuisine. Sweet potato pie, banana pudding and peach cobbler are available for dessert. ¢.

California Dreaming

californiadreaming.co DOWNTOWN: 401 S. Main St., 803-254-6767 Mon-Thu 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sat 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

Located in a historic railroad station, California Dreaming has been popular ever since it opened in 1984. Serves large salads, burgers, sandwiches, seafood, pasta, chicken and steaks. Excellent mixed drinks, and the honey croissants always are a hit. ¢-$.

eggsupgrill.com

SHANDON/ROSEWOOD: 2930 Devine St.,

803-661-9174

Ella’s NORTH COLUMBIA:

803-661-8857

3800 North Main St.,

Mon-Sat 7 a.m.-8 p.m.

Tasty Southern comfort food served up meatand-three style in an elegant location in North Main Plaza. $

Flight Deck

shoppesatflightdeck.com LEXINGTON: 109-A Old Chapin Rd., 803-957-5990

carolinaalehouse.com HARBISON/IRMO: 277 Columbiana Dr., 803-407-6996 Mon-Sun 11 a.m.-2 a.m.

Grill Marks

VISTA: 708 Lady St., 803-227-7150

Mon-Sun 11-2a.m.

North Carolina-based franchise offers salads, pizzas, appetizers, signature sandwiches and all manner of chicken, steaks, barbecue and ribs, and seafood entrees. More than 30 beers on tap and 40 or so bottle selections. Vista location features popular rooftop bar. ¢-$.

Compton’s Kitchen

comptonskitchen.com LEXINGTON: 5343-L Sunset Blvd., 803-399-1272 Mon-Fri 6:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; Sat 6:30 a.m.-noon; Sun 7:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

WEST COLUMBIA/CAYCE: 1118 B Ave., 791-0750

Mon-Fri 6 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; Saturday 6 a.m.-noon With most everything made from scratch, you can’t go wrong with the meat-andveggies combos. Lunch entrees include fried chicken, stewed beef and rice, salmon patties, livers and gizzards and country-style steak. Special menu with meals under 400 calories. ¢.

Dupre at the Market

WEST COLUMBIA/CAYCE: 3483 Charleston Hwy.,

509-5641

Sun-Mon 7 a.m.-3 p.m.

Located at the South Carolina State Farmers Market, Dupre serves breakfast and lunch made with fresh produce from the market itself. Features classic breakfast items, as well as Southern favorites (catfish, fried gizzards), sandwiches, burgers, Greek favorites and more. ¢-$.

Price ¢ avg. entrée < $10 Key $ avg. entrée = $10-15

6

$$ avg. entrée > $15

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Mon-Fri 7 a.m.-2 p.m.; Sat 8 a.m.-2 p.m.

Are you in the mood for something other than IHOP? This chain serves breakfast and lunch around the country with everything from tacos to breakfast banana splits. $

Liberty on the Lake

libertytaproom.com HARBISON/IRMO: 1602 Marina Rd.,

803-667-9715

Mon-Thu 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

Family-owned restaurant with an extensive collection of WWII-themed memorabilia and photographs. Menu ranges from burgers and sandwiches to ribs, pizza and Greek specialties. Blue-plate special includes one meat, two veggies, dessert and a drink. ¢.

Carolina Ale House

lepeep.com/index.php VISTA: 701 Gervais St., Ste. 110, 803-254-1200

grillmarks.com VISTA: 711 Gervais St., 803-661-8932 Mon-Thu 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

Fancy burgers, fancy shakes (with or without booze) and a swank atmosphere. $

Harper’s Restaurant

harpersgroup.com FIVE POINTS: 700 Harden St., 803-252-2222 Mon-Thu 11:15 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri 11:15 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sat 10 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sun 10 a.m.-10 p.m.

Part of a small Charlotte-based chain, Harper’s exceeds chain standards in both its food and its service. While the menu has burgers, sandwiches and nicely smoked meats (dig the firewood pile out back), Harper’s also offers fresh seafood, creative salads and more.

Sunday brunch, too. $.

Jillian’s

jillianscolumbia.com VISTA: 800 Gervais St., 803-779-7789 Sun-Thu 11:30 a.m.-midnight; Fri-Sat 11:30 a.m.-2 a.m.

Jillian’s is designed for eating, drinking and mingling, with plenty of visual stimulus from tons of big-screen TVs. The menu includes appetizers (mmm ... mozzarella sticks), burgers, sandwiches, flatbread pizzas, soups, salads and desserts. ¢-$

Kiki’s Chicken and Waffles

kikischickenandwaffles.com NORTHEAST: 110 Columbia Northeast Dr., 834-7948 Mon-Thu 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri 11 a.m.-midnight Chicken and waffles! And not just any old iteration of this soul food classic — Kiki’s offers a red velvet waffle if you’re feeling fancy. Also try the shrimp and grits. Bonus trivia: Both Joe Biden and Hillary Clinton have eaten here. ¢

Sun-Mon 11 a.m.-until With sweeping, scenic views of Lake Murray from its multiple decks, Liberty on the Lake is a gorgeous place to knock back a few beers and some tasty, fresh-caught fish or a burger.

Some of the same great salads, sandwiches and apps you’ll find at the Liberty in the heart of Columbia. $.

Liberty Tap Room & Grill libertytaproom.com Vista: 828 Gervais St., 803-461-4677

Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-until; Sun 10 a.m.-until (Brunch until 2 p.m.); bar open until 2 a.m. all week Liberty begins with sturdy American fare but doesn’t end there. Known for its delicious salads, you’ll also find an array of appetizers, succulent soups and colorful entrees. You can’t go wrong with the Freedom Burger (fried egg!) or any of the fresh seafood, pizzas, chicken and pastas. $.

Lizard’s Thicket

lizardsthicket.com DOWNTOWN: 818 Elmwood Ave., 803-779-6407 BLYTHEWOOD: 711-1 University Village Dr., 803-451-8400 FOREST ACRES: 3147 Forest Dr., 803-787-8781 GARNERS FERRY/SOUTHEAST:

7938 Garners Ferry Rd., 803-647-0095 GARNERS FERRY/SOUTHEAST:

402 Beltline Blvd., 803-738-0006 HARBISON/IRMO: 7569 St. Andrews Rd., 803-732-1225 LEXINGTON: 621 W Main St., 803-951-3555 Northeast: 10170 Two Notch Rd., 803-419-5662 NORTHEAST: 7620 Two Notch Rd., 803-788-3088 ST. ANDREWS/DUTCH SQUARE: 1824 Broad River Rd., 803-798-6427 WEST COLUMBIA/CAYCE: 2240 Airport Blvd., 803-796-7820 WEST COLUMBIA/CAYCE: 501 Knox Abbott Dr., 803-791-0314 WEST COLUMBIA/CAYCE: 2234 Sunset Blvd., 803-794-0923 Mon-Sun 6 a.m.-9 p.m.

(Hours apply to all locations.)

Meat loaf, fried chicken, mac and cheese, fried okra. Good lord, what more could you want? A true local institution that thrives on the meat-and-veggies formula. This is what Southern cooking is all about. ¢.

Midlands Café

GARNERS FERRY/SOUTHEAST: 1629 Bluff Rd.,

803-764-4740 Down-home country cooking, with hearty breakfasts and daily lunch specials. ¢

Midlands’ Food Arts

marriott.com/hotels/hotel-information/ restaurant/caemh-columbia-marriott DOWNTOWN: 1200 Hampton St., 803-771-7000 Mon-Fri 6 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5-10 p.m.; Sat-Sun 6:30 a.m.-noon and 5 p.m.-10 p.m.

This restaurant’s nice, casual feel is something you might come to expect during your time at the Marriott Hotel. Features New Southern classics like shrimp and grits. Stop by for breakfast, lunch or dinner after a long day (or night) in downtown Columbia. $

Original Pancake House

originalpancakehousencsc.com FOREST ACRES: 4840 Forest Dr. (Trenholm Plaza), 782-6742 Mon-Fri 6:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Sat-Sun 7 a.m. -9 p.m.

Pancakes as you like them. Offering a full menu including cinnamon-glazed apple pancakes, freshly squeezed juices, homemade fruit syrups and more. And if you’re not in the mood for pancakes, try the meat-lovers omelet. The lines are long for a reason; get there before church lets out and you’ll be in good shape. ¢.

Pawleys Front Porch

pawleysfrontporch.com FIVE POINTS: 827 Harden St., 803-771-8001 Fri-Sat 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

Fancy a fried egg, apple-cured ham, pineapple or a pair of onion rings stuffed between a half-pound patty and a ciabatta bun?

Crowds have been lining up outside Pawleys Front Porch ever since its fantastic burgers were featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives back in 2010. $.

Rockaway Athletic Club

SHANDON/ROSEWOOD: 2719 Rosewood Dr.,

803-256-1075

Mon-Sun 11 a.m.-2 a.m. (Kitchen closes at 11 p.m.

Sunday-Tuedsay; midnight Wed-Sat) This local institution was a stop for President George W. Bush during a visit to Columbia, and for good reason. For years, locals have been flocking to Rockaway’s for its unbeatable pimento cheeseburgers and excellent bar food. ¢-$.

The Happy Cafe

thehappycafeonforest.com FOREST ACRES: 4525 Forest Dr., 803-787-8411 Mon-Fri 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; Sat 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Housemade tomato pie, chicken salad and other downhome deli favorites, plus a variety of desserts including a beloved caramel cake. $.

Yesterdays Restaurant and Tavern

yesterdayssc.com FIVE POINTS: 2030 Devine St., 803-799-0196 Mon-Thu 11:15 a.m.-midnight; Fri 11:15 a.m.-1 a.m.; Sat 10 a.m.-1 p.m.; Sun 10 a.m.-midnight A landmark since 1978, people flock here not just for a glimpse of a guy in a bathtub but also to fill up on the heartiest fare in town, including meatloaf, broiled salmon, Lowcountry shrimp and grits and, of course, country fried steak. Just about everything comes with veggies, too. ¢.

ASIAN M Grille

gomgrille.com VISTA: 531 Lady St., 803-708-8881 Mon-Thu 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 5:30-9:30 p.m.; Fri 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 5-10:30 p.m.; Sat 5-10:30 p.m. Sun. 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

High-end Asian dining in the Vista. Creative dishes span seafood, salads and more, from Thai-style tenderloin salad to honey-brined Southern chicken. Full bar with happy hour. $-$$.

Winter 2015-16 | free-times.com/restaurants

M Kitchen

HARBISON/IRMO: 340 Columbiana Dr.,

803-764-1285 The latest from Michelle Wang of the Miyo’s empire features fresh takes on Asian and bistro classics, all convenient to Columbiana Mall. $

M Vista

miyos.com VISTA: 701-C Lady St., 803-255-8878 Mon-Thu 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sat 4:30-11 p.m.; Sun 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.

Just like the other Miyo’s and M Cafe locations, M Vista features upscale Chinese cuisine and sushi with a twist: M Vista focuses on healthy ingredients and portions and cooks with organic ingredients. Besides stir-fries, noodle soups and special sushi rolls, there’s a well-stocked bar. Yum! ¢-$.

Miyo’s

miyos.com

HARBISON/IRMO: 1220 E-2 Bower Pkwy.,

803-781-7788

Sun-Thu 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11:30 a.m.- 10:30 p.m.

FOREST ACRES: 3250 Forest Dr., 803-743-9996

Mon-Thu 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11:30 a.m.10:30 p.m.; Sun 11:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m.

LEXINGTON: 5594 Sunset Blvd., 803-957-9888

Sun-Thu 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m.

NORTHEAST: 715 Fashion Dr., Ste. 1,

Village at Sandhill, 803-788-8878

Mon-Thu 11:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11:30 a.m.10:30 p.m.; Sun 11:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m.

Winner of many Best of Columbia awards for its Shanghai and Sichuan cuisine. Features both traditional and innovative dishes served in a comfortable, elegant atmosphere. Also features a sushi bar. ¢-$$.

BAGEL/BAKERY Ally & Eloise Bakeshop

sandwich shop, with a truly amazing array of baked goods. Offers gourmet tailgating boxes and much more.

Silver Spoon Bake Shop

silverspoonbakeshop.com SHANDON/ROSEWOOD: 2507 Devine St., 803-673-6374 Tue-Fri 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Sat 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Housemade pastries, cakes, pies and delicious cookies, plus a coffee bar. Custom cakes and pies for special events, too. $

BAR/PUB FOOD Bar None

FIVE POINTS: 620 Harden St., 803-254-3354

Mon-Fri 3 p.m.-6 a.m.; Sat-Sun 3 p.m.-2 a.m.

Late-night bar serving food into the wee hours of the morning — including, on certain special nights, the finest smoked chicken wings you’ve ever tasted. Large selection of beers on tap. ¢.

British Bulldog Pub

thebritishbulldogpub.com HARBISON/IRMO: 1220 E10 Bowers Pkwy., 803-227-8918 Mon-Fri 11 a.m.-2 a.m.; Sat-Sun 9 a.m.-2 a.m. (night menu Wed-Thu 10-11pm; Fri-Sat 10:30 pm-12 a.m.); Sun buffet 10 am-2 p.m.

A British pub with a real British pub menu: everything from roast beef and Yorkshire pudding to meat pies to Scotch eggs to crispy samosas, plus plenty of burgers and salads for the anglophobes. Breakfast served all day.

Extensive soccer and rugby viewing schedule, too. $.

Delaney’s

FIVE POINTS: 741 Saluda Ave., 803-779-2345

Mon-Sun 11 a.m.-2 a.m.

Irish pub with 27 beers on tap and a variety of food, including Irish and American favorites.

Live acoustic and Celtic music Tuesday through Saturday and trivia on Sundays. ¢.

allyandeloise.com FOREST ACRES: 5209-B Forest Dr., 803-708-2982

Flying Saucer

Tue-Fri 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sat 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Eloise is a French bulldog. And Ally is a heck of a baker, turning out fancy cookies, cupcakes, muffins and scones, not to mention fancy layer cakes and bundt cakes galore. ¢

Mon-Thu 11 a.m.-1 a.m.; Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Sun noon-midnight High-end pints and mammoth soft pretzels delivered by waitresses in knee socks and fig leaves. Seriously: The palate may focus on the endless beer list, the enormous sandwiches, even the pizza by the slice, but the eyes — a lot of them, anyway — leer elsewhere. ¢.

Crust Bakehouse crustbakehouse.com

SHANDON/ROSEWOOD: 2701-B Rosewood Dr.

beerknurd.com VISTA: 931 Senate St., 803-933-9997

Krafty Draft

kraftydraft.com LEXINGTON: 269 Charter Oak Rd., 803-996-0345 Mon-Fri 4 p.m.-11 p.m.; Sat 2 p.m.-midnight Nibble on tortilla chips, hummus or a rotisserie chicken salad while sampling a wide assortment of beers. ¢.

The Kraken

facebook.com/thekrakengastropub SHANDON/ROSEWOOD: 2910 Rosewood Dr., 803-955-7408 Mon-Sat 4 p.m.-midnight (kitchen open 5-10 p.m.Mon-Thu, 5-11 p.m. Fri-Sat); Sun brunch 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

What’s a gastropub? Well, that just means the food is as good as the excellent selection of beer, with offerings like boiled peanut hummus, a lamb shank and a cheese plate.

Regular specials keep things interesting. $.

The Whig thewhig.org

DOWNTOWN: 1200 Main St., 803-931-8852

Mon-Fri 4 p.m.-until; Sat-Sun 5 p.m.-until (daily happy hour 4-7 p.m.)

Hip underground bar across from the State House serves burgers, sweet potato fries and a mean chicken sandwich. Also home of the infamous Taco Tuesdays, when beef or bean tacos are 75 cents apiece and the crowds are massive. ¢.

Thirsty Fellow

thirstyfellow.com VISTA: 621 Gadsden St., 803-799-1311 Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-midnight; Sun 10 a.m.-11 p.m.

(Brunch 10 a.m.-2 p.m.)

Pub food and fresh specials include wings, fish ‘n chips, sandwiches, soups, appetizers and an array of stone-fired pizzas. Try the banana pepper stuffed with sausage and served with a hearty marinara and cheese sauce. ¢.

Tin Roof

tinroofbars.com VISTA: 1022 Senate St., 803-771-1558 Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-3 a.m.; Sun noon-9 p.m.

Tin Roof has a bar menu with touches of flair, from the chicken-and-waffle nuggets (served with syrup for dipping) to the awesome quesadillas. $.

BISTRO/NEW AMERICAN

Tue-Fri 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

In the mornings, Crust offers cookies, scones and other sweet pastries; a little later in the day, the delectable breads start coming out of the oven: focaccias, ciabattas, sourdough, levains and more. And yes, it has no telephone. ¢.

Goat’s

@116 Espresso & Wine Bar

Rising from the figurative ashes of Goatfeathers is Goat’s, a swanky bar for sophisticated people. The menu runs the gamut from burgers to finer fare. $

WEST COLUMBIA/CAYCE: 116 State St.,

Heather’s Artisan Bakery

henrysgrillandbar.com SHANDON/ROSEWOOD: 2865 Devine St., 803-708-4705

heathersartisanbakery.com WEST COLUMBIA/CAYCE: 1524 Lafayette Ave., 803-807-1428 Fri 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Artisanal bakery offers homemade breads for serious bread fans, from wheat to sourdough to ciabatta. For sale at Soda City Market, Rosewood Market and other area markets. ¢.

The Pastry Shop at Nonnah’s nonnahs.com VISTA: 928 Gervais St., 803-779-9599

Mon-Fri 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

This bakeshop, an offshoot of long-beloved dessert joint Nonnah’s, serves freshly baked bread, scones, brownies, pastries and more. ¢.

Rise Gourmet Goods and Bakeshop

risebakeshop.com FIVE POINTS: 926 Harden St., 803-851-1248 Mon-Fri 6:30 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sat-Sun 7 a.m.-4 p.m.

Neighborhood bakery meets upscale

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FIVE POINTS: 2017 Devine St., 803-256-3325

Henry’s Grill and Bar

Mon-Sun 11 a.m.-2 a.m.

NORTHEAST: 111 Sparkleberry Crossing,

803-563-5674 A comfortable, classy neighborhood bar with delicious burgers, fried pickles and tons of drink specials. Try the Big T burger: a huge, juicy double cheeseburger between two grilled cheese sandwiches. The Sunday brunch rocks. ¢-$.

Jake’s

jakesofcolumbia.com FIVE POINTS: 2112 Devine St., 803-708-4788 Tue-Fri 4 p.m.-until; Sat 4 p.m.-2 a.m.; Sun 5 p.m.-until Yellow Dog Barbecue runs the kitchen at longtime college bar Jake’s, featuring South Carolina-influenced fresh fare like biscuits and shrimp and grits — but not excluding some tasty bar standards like burgers. Great brunch. $.

116state.com

803-791-5663

Tue-Thu 5-10 p.m.; Fri -Sat 5-11 p.m; Brunch Sat-Sun 10 a.m.-3 p.m. (last seating at 2:30 p.m.)

Combines a chill coffee-shop atmosphere with great wine and food. Specials range from soups to seafood to steaks to specialty pizzas, many with Mediterranean and Southern influences. Fabulous Spanish wines, and a famed White Russian menu. Popular brunch spot, too. $.

Bistro on the Boulevard

bistroontheblvd.com HARBISON/IRMO: 1085-D Lake Murray Blvd., 803-369-1332 Mon-Thu 5 p.m.-9 p.m.; Fri-Sat 5 p.m.-11 p.m.

Upscale Southern classics like Lowcountry crab dip and shrimp and grits meet bistro offerings like fancy stuffed pork chops and an Asian salmon burger. $.

Cellar on Greene

cellarongreene.com FIVE POINTS: 2001D Greene St. , 343-3303 Mon-Thurs 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m.; Sat noon-10:30 p.m. (Shop open Mon-Fri 11 a.m.; bar opens at 5 p.m.)

Part wine shop, part tapas bar, the Cellar on Greene is the place to go for wines by the

glass or bottle and an ever-changing menu of Continental, Mediterranean, and bistro-style dishes: seafood and steaks, salads, hummus, pizzas, pastas and more. The truffle parmesan raw fries are exceptional. $-$$

Cola’s

colasrestaurant.com Downtown: 1215 Assembly St. , 451-0051 Mon-Fri 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. (lunch); Mon-Thu 5:30-10 p.m., Fri-Sat 5:30-10:30 p.m.

American bistro with diverse influences, launched by the proprietors of the nowdefunct Garibaldi Cafe. Robust seafood selection, plus steaks, salads and more, plus a lovely bar. Large window wall opens to Assembly Street. $$

Copper River Grill

copperrivergrill.com HARBISON/IRMO: 1230 Bower Prkwy., 803-749-4647 Sun-Thu 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.- 11 p.m.

Specializes in a little bit of everything — grilled seafood, chicken and steak dishes, sandwiches and burgers and oven-baked pizzas. Try the sashimi tuna appetizer and, if you’re man (or lady) enough, the 32-oz. Big Sky Porterhouse. $.

Empire Supper Club

empire-sc.com VISTA: 920 Lady St., 803-638-4942 Wed-Sat 5 p.m.-late Roaries Twenties-themed club offers tapas in a swank atmosphere, from the exotic mac-and-cheese menu to the list of culinary aphrodisiacs. $

Hampton Street Vineyard

hamptonstreetvineyard.com Downtown: 1201 Hampton St. , 252-0850 Mon-Fri 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. and 6-10 p.m.; Sat 6-10 p.m. (Bar opens at 5 p.m.)

Innovative American cuisine with seasonal menu changes, featuring fresh seafood, handcut steaks, lamb, duck, veal, accommodating and professional service all taking place in an urban cool space below the sidewalk in the historic Sylvan Building. ¢-$$.

Jonez

jonezcolumbia.com VISTA: 1004 Gervais St. , 803-834-4434 Sun-Thu 4-10 p.m.; Fri-Sat 4 p.m.-midnight Smooth jazz club with a bistro-slash-bar menu featuring salads, fish tacos, steaks, wings, grilled salmon and more. $.

Julep’s Bistro

julepsbistro.com NORTHEAST: 120 Sparkleberry Crossing Dr., 803-419-7200 Mon-Thu 4-10 p.m.; Fri 4-11 p.m.; Sat 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sun 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Swanky but chill bar and bistro, with a diverse menu featuring seafood, pizzas, small plates and steaks. $

Motor Supply Co.

motorsupplycobistro.com VISTA: 920 Gervais St., 803-256-6687 Tue-Th 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. 5:30-9:30 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.,5:30-10:30 p.m.; Sun 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., 5:30-9 p.m.

An early pioneer of dining in the Vista, Motor Supply’s eclectic menu reflects a classic bistro mentality and changes every day. Upbeat, cosmopolitan atmosphere and excellent food with a focus on fresh, local produce and artisanal techniques. Especially popular for Sunday brunch. $-$$.

Mr. Friendly’s

mrfriendlys.com FIVE POINTS: 2001-A Greene St., 803-254-7828 Mon-Thu 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 5:30-10 p.m.; Fri 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 5:30-10:30 p.m.; Sat 5:30-10:30 p.m.

The award-winning bistro Mr. Friendly’s is tucked into the side of Claussen’s Inn. Since 1995, it’s been serving New Southern Cuisine —

Winter 2015-16 | free-times.com/restaurants

Mediterranean Restaurant

FRESH MEDITERRANEAN FOOD- ALWAYS

Turkish Shish Kebab

Chicken Shish Kebab

WE ARE OPEN FOR DINNER!

Gyro Platter

Green Olive Sampler

Sigara Borek

(Cheese Pastries)

WE NOW SERVE BEER & WINE GREENOLIVESC

www.GREENOLIVESC.com

GREENOLIVESC

922 MAIN ST. • COLUMBIA, SC 29201 • (803) 764.3740 Monday-Saturday 11am-10pm • Sunday 11am-9pm

sometimes innovative, sometimes comforting — at reasonable prices. In addition to its daily menu, Mr. Friendly’s offers nightly specials. A great higher end lunch spot, too. $-$$.

grilled salmon and even a classic New England lobster roll — are joined by Southern favorites like fried green tomatoes and Lowcountry crab cakes. $-$$.

Saluda’s

Tazza Kitchen

Mon-Sun 5-10 p.m.

This casual fine-dining establishment offers cutting-edge culinary styles that blend Italian, French and Lowcountry influences.

Serves seafood, beef, chicken and vegetarian entrees. Also hosts wine dinners. $$.

Tue-Sun 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. (lunch); Tue-Thu 4:30-10 p.m., Fri-Sat 4:30-11 p.m., Sun 4:30-9 p.m. (dinner) Modern but comfortable bistro features wood-fired pizzas, salads and entrees and apps borrowing from a variety of cuisines.

Ditto for brunch, where you can choose everything from huevos rancheros to a fivespice chicken sandwich. $

saludas.com FIVE POINTS: 751 Saluda Ave., 803-799-9500

Solstice Kitchen & Wine Bar solsticekitchen.com NORTHEAST: 841-4 Sparkleberry Ln., 803-788-6966

Lunch: Mon-Fri 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; Dinner: Mon-Thu 5:30-9:30 p.m., Fri-Sat 5:30-10 p.m.; Bar: Mon-Sat 5 p.m.-until From the people who bring you Mr. Friendly’s and Cellar on Greene, Solstice presents an upscale dining experience with such dishes as seared diver scallops, beef tartare, in-house brined pork chops, South Carolina seafood and hand-cut steaks. Extensive wine list and elegant, yet cozy, atmosphere. $-$$.

Spotted Salamander

spottedsalamandercatering.com DOWNTOWN: 1531 Richland St., 803-546-0249 Mon-Fri 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Longtime local caterer now has a lunch cafe downtown. Daily specials offer quirky, balanced, tasty fare. Plus — cronuts! $.

Stonefire American Grill

stonefireamericangrill.com NORTHEAST: 566 Spears Creek Church Rd., 803-419-2332 Mon-Sun 4-10 p.m.

Upscale American classics — steakhousestyle burgers, prime rib, roasted chicken,

tazzakitchen.com FOREST ACRES: 4840 Forest Dr. #20, 782-0760

Tombo Grille

LEXINGTON: 766 W. Main St., 803-359-8789

tombogrille.com FOREST ACRES: 4517 Forest Dr., 803-782-9665 Mon-Thu 5:30-9:30 p.m.; Fri-Sat 5:30-10:30 p.m.

(Bar opens at 4:30 p.m.)

Whether you’re looking for a carefully crafted small bite or seafood dish using local ingredients with a fine wine to match, or just a great burger and a beer, Tombo is a solid choice.

Live music several nights a week. $.

BBQ/WINGS/RIBS Big-T Bar-B-Que

bigtbbq.com GADSDEN: 2520 Congaree Rd., 803-353-0488 Wed 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Thu-Sat 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

Terra

GARNERS FERRY/SOUTHEAST: 7535 Garners Ferry

terrasc.com

Rd., 803-776-7132

WEST COLUMBIA/CAYCE: 100 State St.,

Mon-Wed 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Thu-Sat. 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

803-791-3443

Tue-Sat 5 p.m.-until Chef Mike Davis brings together top-quality Southern ingredients and classic European techniques to make creative, original fare — truly one of the region’s best restaurants.

Fantastic view of downtown Columbia from the upscale Vista West location. Looking for something a little simpler? Sit at the cozy bar and sample a brick-oven pizza. $$.

The Oak Table

theoaktablesc.com DOWNTOWN: 1221 Main St., 803-563-5066 Mon-Th 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 5-10 p.m.; Fri 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. & 5-11 p.m.; Sat 5-11 p.m.; Sun brunch 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

A fantastic view of the State House, not to mention excellent high-end fine dining fare, from deep-fried whole lobster to refined steaks, crispy-roasted mushrooms and much more. Sundays feature a great brunch. $-$$.

NORTHEAST: 1061 Sparkleberry Ln.,

803-788-4295

Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-9 p.m Big T’s turns out some of the best barbecue in town. Pit-cooked pulled pork is the standout, served with hot or mild, slightly sweet mustard-based sauce. The sides are first-rate.

Friendly people, generous portions. Top it all off with some homemade chocolate cake. ¢.

Doc’s Barbeque and Southern Buffet docsbarbeque.com

GARNERS FERRY/SOUTHEAST: 601 Shop Rd.,

803-799-1532

Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

First-rate barbecue buffet with stellar fried chicken. Also features delicious catfish bites.

Order off the menu for tailgating or simply to take home some quality BBQ. ¢.

Hudson’s Smokehouse & Saloon

hudsonssmokehouse.com LEXINGTON: 4952 Sunset Blvd., 803-356-1070 Tue-Thu 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri-Sat 10:30 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m.

LEEKS

8ʏȇǥʬʚƖ̲​̲LJƖDZŨʬʚʲı²ưʚ ʲȇʬœʏıʚŽʬœƖʚŽĐ ɩ²ƖʏıĒʬ˶Ɩˀʬˀı äıʚʲʬLJȇą²LJ ƖDZŨʏıĒƖıDZʲʚɺ

DUROC HOG

NORTHEAST: 9563 Two Notch Rd.,

803-462-0882

Sun-Thu 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Fri-Sat 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

SHANDON/ROSEWOOD: 4411 Devine St.,

803-782-9547

Sun-Thu 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri-Sat 10 a.m.-10 p.m.

ST. ANDREWS/DUTCH SQUARE: 622 St. Andrews

Rd., 803-772-6999

Mon-Thu 10 a.m.-8:30 p.m.; Fri-Sat 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-8 p.m.

WEST COLUMBIA/CAYCE: 1600 Charleston Hwy.,

803-796-0220

Mon-Sat 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Sun 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

WEST COLUMBIA/CAYCE: 2450 Augusta Rd., 803-

796-4777

Mon-Thu 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri-Sat 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-8 p.m.

This Midlands barbecue institution pit-cooks its juicy pork, ribs, beef and chicken over hickory coals, and its Carolina Gold mustardbased sauce is legendary. The controversial Maurice Bessinger died in 2014 — and for several years the younger generation has been running things, eschewing controversy and Confederate flags alike. ¢

Palmetto Pig

palmettopig.com DOWNTOWN: 530 Devine St. , 733-2556 Tue-Wed 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; Thu-Sat 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

All-you-can-eat buffet featuring pulled pork barbecue, hash, green beans, slaw and crispy fried chicken. At the downtown location, be sure to arrive early or late to beat the rush.

Discount available for USC students. $.

Publick House publick-house.com

SHANDON/ROSEWOOD: 2307 Devine St.,

John D. Hite’s

Quaker Steak and Lube

Fri 8 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

Don’t let the plain cinder-block building deter you. No-frills tasty pulled pork barbecue, roasted chicken, ribs and ham, all slowcooked using wood. Meats and the usual fixins available to go by the pound or the pint.

Takeout only. ¢.

Little Pigs littlepigs.biz

NORTHEAST: 4927 Alpine Rd., 803-788-8238

Wed 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; Thu 11 a.m.- 8:30 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Amazing spread of lunch buffet offerings including yams, corn, baked beans, fried okra, onion rings, hush puppies, green beans and more. The three varieties of barbecue are nothing to sneeze at, either. Just stellar local barbecue beloved by regulars. ¢.

Maurice’s Piggie Park

piggiepark.com DOWNTOWN: 800 Elmwood Ave. , 256-4377 Mon-Thu 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri-Sat 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m.

HARBISON/IRMO: 1141 Lake Murray Blvd.,

803-732-5555

Sun-Thu 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri-Sat 10 a.m.-10 p.m.

10 freetimes |

Mon-Thu 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Fri-Sat 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sat 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-midnight; (kitchen closes 1 a.m. Fri-Sat) A Devine St. icon, and rightfully so. Beloved for its hot wings, Publick House also offers three types of buffalo wings, as well as honey mustard, teriyaki, barbecue, pterodactyl, garlic butter and buttery barbecue. Salads, burgers and pasta round out the menu. Billiards and wide range of beers on tap. ¢.

803-794-4120

803.791.3443 | terrasc.com 100 State Street | West Columbia, South Carolina

NORTHEAST: 252 O’Neil Ct., 803-865-0608

Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-8 p.m.(take-out only) In a town full of barbecue joints, Hudson’s distinguishes itself with succulent pulled pork and a mean and lean tender brisket. Was spotlighted by Turner South as a Blue Ribbon Barbecue Joint. Offers mustard-based, ketchup-based and vinegar-and-pepper options. ¢.

WEST COLUMBIA/CAYCE: 240 Dreher Rd.,

GARLIC

Mon-Thu 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Fri-Sat 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m., Sun 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

803-256-2207

hitesbbq.com

CAYENNE PEPPERS

LEXINGTON: 1010 S. Lake Dr., 803-356-1909

LEXINGTON: Hudson’s Smokehouse Express,

931 Old Two Notch Rd., 803-356-1070

OYSTERS

Mon-Thu 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri-Sat 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m., Sun 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

thelube.com NORTHEAST: 941 Spears Creek Ct., 803-563-5501 Sun-Thu 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-1 a.m.

Twenty kinds of wings?! Yes, indeed. And if you’re not in the mood for poultry, the menu is packed with ribs, sandwiches, salads, soups, steaks and more. $.

Shealy’s Bar-B-Que House

shealysbbq.com LEESVILLE: 340 E. Columbia Ave., 803-532-8135 Mon-Tue and Thu-Sat 11 a.m.-9 p.m (carry-out 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sat breakfast buffet 7-9:30 a.m.)

More than 40 amazing buffet items. The pork is lovingly pulled from slow-cooked whole hogs and served with a thick and tangy mustard sauce. Among the best-loved barbecue places in the state. ¢.

Southern Belly

southernbellybbq.com SHANDON/ROSEWOOD: 1332 Rosewood Dr., 803-667-9533 Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.- 4 p.m.

FIVE POINTS: 819 Harden St., 803-764-3512

Lots of sauces distinguish this barbecue joint, which offers a small but tasty selection of barbecued meat sandwiches. Original location is convenient to Williams-Brice Stadium; satellite location is in the heart of Five Points. ¢-$.

Winter 2015-16 | free-times.com/restaurants

True BBQ

true-bbq.com

WEST COLUMBIA/CAYCE: 1237 D Ave., 803-791-9950

Wed-Sat 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m.

Serves pork ribs and classic chopped pork barbecue, smoked on site; hash and rice; barbecue chicken; barbecue sandwiches; and the usual slew of sides and desserts.

Choose between Pretty Lady, Sexy Lady or vinegar-based sauce. ¢.

Wing City

2fat2flywings.com

GARNERS FERRY/SOUTHEAST: 905A Bluff Rd.

Tue-Sat 5-10 p.m.

The gentlemen behind the famous local food truck 2 Fat 2 Fly have a brick-and-mortar location, where they’re serving their stuffed chicken wings, plus Southern sides, burgers and more. $.

BREWERIES/ BREW PUBS Conquest Brewing Co. conquestbrewing.com

GARNERS FERRY/SOUTHEAST:

947 S. Stadium Rd., Bay 1 Mon-Thu 4-9 p.m.; Fri 4-10 p.m.; Sat 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun 1-6 p.m.

Columbia’s first production brewery, featuring a cozy tap room and a fine selection of beers.

Hunter-Gatherer

huntergathererbrewery.com DOWNTOWN: 900 Main St., 803-748-0540 Mon-Thu 4-10 p.m.; Fri 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sat 4-11 p.m.

Serving excellent hand-crafted ales since 1995, Hunter-Gatherer’s food is as good as its beer, with nightly gourmet specials to complement such local favorites as the black bean dip. Specialty pizzas are popular, as are the burgers and sandwiches. A favorite spot for university types, hipsters and oldsters alike. Also offers half-gallon growlers so you can take the good stuff home. New brewery slated for Rosewood. ¢-$.

Old Mill Brew Pub

oldmillbrewpub.net LEXINGTON: 711 E. Main St., 803-785-2337 Sun-Thu 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-2 a.m. (kitchen); bar open until.

Craft beer? Made on site at a former cotton mill on a scenic pond? In downtown Lexington? Yes, Old Mill is doing all this and more — and also serving up some fine, creative bar fare. Hosts occasional live music, too. $

River Rat Brewery riverratbrewery.com

its dishes (“Hangover Hashbrowns,” “Heart Attack Wrap”) as it does hand-crafting its desserts and breads. The casual, Bohemian style restaurant offers soups, salads, sandwiches, grill items and coffees, plus great daily specials. Also hosts a legendary Sunday brunch, and offers creative cocktails and a happy hour bar menu. ¢.

College Grounds Café

collegegroundscafe.com DOWNTOWN: 1217 College St., 803-708-9476 Mon-Thu 7 a.m.-8 p.m. (3 p.m. during summer), Fri 7 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sat 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun 9 a.m.-8 p.m.

Think of it as the younger sister to established upstairs coffeehouse Cool Beans: College Grounds Café serves sandwiches and other healthy breakfast and brunch foods — bagels, fruit, grits and more — as well as fresh doughnuts made in-house daily. Yum. Lots of vegetarian-friendly options. ¢.

Cool Beans Coffee Company

coolbeanscoffeecompany.net DOWNTOWN: 1217 College St., 803-779-4277 Mon-Fri 7 a.m.-midnight; Sat-Sun 9 a.m.-midnight Cool near-campus coffee shop offers plenty of space for studying or socializing — but it’s not just for students. Great menu of sandwiches (the curry chicken salad is a longtime favorite), wraps, soups and salads, plus all the coffee drinks you’d expect — and a few you wouldn’t. (Vegan hot cocoa? Yes please.) ¢.

Drip Coffee

dripcolumbia.com DOWNTOWN: 1441 Main St., 803-799-0067 Mon-Fri 7 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat-Sun 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

FIVE POINTS: 729 Saluda Ave., 803-661-9545

Mon-Sat 7 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

Specializing in the pour-over method of brewing, Drip makes some fabulous coffee.

Besides being a great place for a meeting or first date, both Drip locations also sell creative breakfast and lunch sandwiches and delectable pastries. Free Wi-Fi, too. ¢-$.

First Citizens Café

firstcitizenscafe.com DOWNTOWN: 1210 Main St., 803-931-1200 Mon-Fri 7 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sat 7 a.m.-1 p.m.

Yes, it’s a coffee shop run by a bank, located in a lovely renovated space (with an outdoor patio) in one of the oldest buildings on Main.

Serves baked goods, sandwiches, salads — and, of course, lattes in many varieties. ¢

Immaculate Consumption

immaculate-consumption.com DOWNTOWN: 933 Main St., 803-799-9053 Mon-Fri 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. (coffee until 6 p.m.)

In addition to several different coffees and beer, this coffee shop serves a wide range of sandwiches and fresh salads that folks rave about. ¢.

7942 Garners Ferry Rd.

(803) 647-0095

2234 Sunset Blvd.

(803) 794-0923

7620 Two Notch Rd (803)788-3088

402 Beltline Blvd.

(803) 419-5662

1824 Broad River Rd. (803) 798-6427

3147 Forest Dr. (803) 787-8781

2240 Airport Blvd.

(803) 796-7820

7569 St. Andrews Rd. (803) 732-1225

Wired Goat Café

818 Elmwood Ave. (803) 779-6407

621 West Main St. (803) 951-3555

Mon-Sat 5:30 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

501 Knox Abbot Dr. (803) 791-0314

711-1 University Village Dr. (803) 451-8400

Loveland Coffee

Wed-Fri 4-10 p.m.; Sat noon-9 p.m.; Sun 1-8 p.m.

River Rat produces excellent and original craft beers. Features a lovely outdoor deck, grassy area with cornhole and swank taproom.

Road, 803-466-7168

Swamp Cabbage Brewing Co.

swampcabbagebrewing.com GARNERS FERRY/SOUTHEAST: 921 Brookwood Dr. Wed-Thu 5-8 p.m.; Fri 5-9 p.m.; Sat noon-9 p.m.; Sun 1-6 p.m.

Columbia’s third production brewery boasts a strong catalog of beers, starting with its extra-special bitter. Run by two brothers.

CAFÉ/COFFEE HOUSE Café Strudel cafestrudel.com

WEST COLUMBIA/CAYCE: 300 State St., 803-794-6634

Mon-Tue 8 a.m.-3 p.m.; Wed-Sat 8 a.m.-3 p.m. and 5-9:30 p.m.; Sun 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 5-9:30 p.m.

This Vista West café has as much fun naming

14 convenient locations to serve you 10170 Two Notch Rd. (803) 419-5662

GARNERS FERRY/SOUTHEAST: 1231 Shop Rd.,

803-724-5712

Columbia’s home cookin’ Since 1977!

lovelandcoffee.com

ST. ANDREWS/DUTCH SQUARE: 7001 St. Andrews

Mon-Fri 6:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.; Sat 7:30 a.m.-noon Tasty local coffee, served up in a variety of ways, from lattes to drip coffee to the famous cold brewed coffee concentrate. ¢

wiredgoatcafe.com VISTA: 709 Gervais St., 803-851-0990 CHAPIN: 908 Chapin Road , 803-201-5348

Mon-Sat 6 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Tasty coffee; cool atmosphere. Features some funky drinks like the Canadian Bacon Latte, flavored with maple syrup and bacon syrup. Baked goods include scones and muffins. ¢.

Price ¢ avg. entrée < $10 Key $ avg. entrée = $10-15

$$ avg. entrée > $15

free-times.com/restaurants | Winter 2015-16

4616 Augusta Rd. (803) 785-5560

www.LIZARDSTHICKET.com 14 convenient locations to serve you!

Catering and drop off services available | freetimes

11

CAJUN Bourbon

bourboncolumbia.com DOWNTOWN: 1214 Main St., 803-403-1404 Mon-Fri 11:30 a.m.-1 a.m.; Sat 4:30 p.m.-until; Sunday 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Go for the bourbon, stay for the whiskey.

Serves higher-end Cajun-Creole cuisine like squash jambalaya, bayou burgers, seared duck breast, steaks and more. Updates on lunch and dinner menus posted through Facebook. Tasty Sunday brunch. $$.

The Lost Cajun thelostcajun.com LEXINGTON: 5078 Sunset Blvd., 803-356-2256 Sun-Thu 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

Cajun chain features a slew of Louisiana favorites, from jambalaya to etouffee to gumbo to po’ boys to fried catfish — along with some extra-special Cajun touches like beignets and chicory coffee. $.

Private Property

privatepropertysc.com LEXINGTON: 220 West Main St., 803-399-8085 Mon-Thu 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 4:30-9 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 4:30-9:30 p.m.

Cajun and Creole food in the heart of Lexington, from gumbos to jambalayas — plus big tasty burgers and a few fun extras like Cajun egg rolls. Laidback sports bar vibe. $.

CARIBBEAN/LATIN Arkos Mojo Grill and Martini Bar

arkosmojo.com LEXINGTON: 109K Old Chapin Rd., 803-785-5660

ceviche, fancy salsas, paella, tacos and much more. Also has a swank bar menu that spans martinis, margaritas mojitos and caipirinhas. $

DELI

CHINESE

FIVE POINTS: 2005 Greene St., 803-799-2639

Egg Roll Chen eggrollchen.com

SHANDON/ROSEWOOD: 715 Crowson Rd.,

803-787-6820

Mon-Thu 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

A longtime Columbia favorite, packed at the dinner hour with everyone from lawyers to construction workers, Egg Roll Chen makes fresh Chinese favorites to order: Spicy Taiwan Beef, Hot and Nutty Chicken, perfect lo mein and the famous Mamasan’s Beef Noodle Soup. ¢.

Egg Roll Station

WEST COLUMBIA/CAYCE: 135 Sunset Blvd.,

803-791-4060

Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

Beloved by generations of Columbians, Egg Roll Station prepares inexpensive, fresh Chinese-American standards to order while you watch. Go Cocks; go E’Rolls. ¢.

Sun Ming

sunmingrestaurant.com HARBISON/IRMO: 7509 St. Andrews Rd., 803-732-4488 Sun-Thu 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m., Fri-Sat 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m.

For the most authentic Chinese dining in the Midlands, order off the traditional Chinese menu, which features such dishes as chicken feet with black mushrooms or spicy chicken ding. On the other hand, also offers plenty of orange chicken and beef-and-broccoli to satisfy all your Chinese-American desires. $

Mon-Sat 4 p.m.-until A sort of Latin American bistro featuring

bring cash or a check — no cards. Separate counter for to-go order pickup helps long lines disappear quickly. ¢.

Andy’s Deli

Mon-Sat 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Serving a range of hot and cold deli sandwiches plus salads, this Five Points mainstay enjoys a well-deserved reputation for prompt service and consistent quality. No matter how long the lunch line appears, the food never fails to arrive promptly and satisfy completely.

Andy’s Special, which features roast beef, turkey and bacon bits on a hoagie roll, and which comes with that tantalizingly tangy dip, ought to qualify as the official sandwich of the Midlands. Thank you my friend, indeed. ¢.

   We Support Our Troops! 10% Discount for Retired and Active Military   

12 freetimes |

Tue-Fri 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sat 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Want a huge, delicious cookie? Of course you do. Blue Flour bakes up new versions each day. Also on the menu: quiches, muffins, cupcakes, coffeecakes, crumbles, plus fresh cold milk and fresh brewed coffee. ¢

Mon-Wed 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Thu-Sat 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun 12-5 p.m.

This Charleston import does one thing and one thing only: cupcakes. Of course, they also do them supremely well. From red velvet to mandarin orange chocolate to salted caramel chocolate chip to about anything sweet you can think of, Cupcake has your sweet tooth covered and then some. Now with alcohol-infused cupcakes for the grownups! ¢.

Garden Bistro

gardenbistrovista.com VISTA: 1303 Assembly St., 803-933-9085 Mon-Fri 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Healthy downtown lunch option with an eclectic assortment of soup, salads, wraps and specialty sandwiches. ¢.

The Gourmet Shop

thegourmetshop.net FIVE POINTS: 724 Saluda Ave., 803-799-3705 Cafe: Mon-Fri 9 a.m.-3:45 p.m.; Sat 9 a.m.-4:45 p.m.; Sun 10 a.m.-3:45 p.m. Shop: Mon-Sat 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

A Five Points icon because of its coveted sidewalk seating and signature dishes that include the chicken salad and the turkey pesto.

The store offers coffees, wines, breads, kitchen gadgets and more. ¢-$.

freshcupcakes.com VISTA: 1213 Lincoln St., 803-212-4949

Insomnia Cookies

insomniacookies.com FIVE POINTS: 2013 Devine St., 877-632-6654 Mon-Sun noon-3 a.m.

Bakes fresh cookies and other goodies for the late-night partying crowd. What’s better after a night of drinking than a freshly made chocolate chip cookie? Try the Menage a Trois, a blend of three cookies all baked together. Delivery is available for a $6 minimum (plus tip, of course). ¢.

Kaminsky’s Dessert Cafe

kaminskys.com VISTA: 930 Gervais St., 803-550-9979 Mon-Fri 5 p.m.-midnight; Sat-Sun noon-midnight Dessert bar featuring milkshakes, spiked coffees, dessert martinis, cakes, cider and more. ¢.

Main Street Bakery

Mon-Sat 10:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

mainstreetbakery3307.com NORTH MAIN: 3307 N. Main St., 803-807-9567

Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

803-749-4515

Tue-Fri 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Sat 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Cozy bakery housed in a brick home serves fresh-made cinnamon rolls, sweet potato pie, cupcakes and more, plus specially madeto-order cakes. ¢

Mon-Sat 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

My Dessert Bar

FOREST ACRES: 4717 Forest Dr., 803-790-0801

- Jim Peterson, Owner

HARBISON/IRMO: 7703 St. Andrews Rd.,

803-407-3603

Mon-Sat 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

(Brunch Sat-Sun 10 a.m.-2 p.m.)

A stone’s throw from Maxcy Gregg park, DiPrato’s brings a New York attitude to its gourmet deli selections. Choose from its signature sandwiches, build your own or explore the paninis and salads. A fabulous and well-loved brunch spot, too. ¢-$.

FIVE POINTS: 611 Harden St., 803-799-5708

150 Forum Dr • (803) 865-1001 w w w. j p 4 c o r n e r s . c o m

blueflour.com

Cupcake

dipratos.com FIVE POINTS: 342 Pickens St., 803-779-0606

grouchos.com BLYTHEWOOD: 730 University Village Dr., 803-754-4509

I’m proud to welcome you to 4 Corners where we feature distinctive flavors of the southwest from Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado and Utah. This area is known as the 4 Corners because all the states meet there.

We are proud to not only, serve the best from this area but to also, mirror the hospitality they are known for. I’ve put my name on this restaurant with the goal you find your meal, service and TH E VI LL AGE AT SA N DH I LL experience “just perfect”!

Blue Flour

DiPrato’s Delicatessen

Groucho’s

Jp’s 4 Corners where we feature distinctive flavors of the southwest from Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado and Utah.

DESSERT

Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

HARBISON/IRMO: 800 Lake Murray Blvd.,

LEXINGTON: 117 1/2 East Main St., 803-356-

8800

Hours: Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

WEST COLUMBIA/CAYCE: 2265 Sunset Blvd.,

803-796-7826

Hours: Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Open since 1941, Groucho’s uses only the highest quality ingredients and is the premiere lunchtime meeting place of students and business people of Columbia. The Apollo and the STP Dippers are locally famous for good reason. ¢.

mydessertbar.com

WEST COLUMBIA/CAYCE: 134 State St.,

803-728-1690

Tue-Thu 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Fri 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sat 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Bakery and dessert catering company with everything from cakes to cakepops; also offers brunch on weekends. ¢-$$.

Nonnah’s

nonnahs.com VISTA: 923 Gervais St., 803-779-9599

Sun-Thu 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

Salads, toasted sandwiches and little artisan pizzas make this a hot spot for the Vista lunch crowd. $

Mon-Fri 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m.; Mon-Thu 5-11 p.m.; Fri 5 p.m.-12:30 a.m.; Sat 6 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Pastry shop, Mon-Fri 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Best known for its desserts, Nonnah’s is a good place to stop for coffee and drinks after dinner or a show. A frequent winner of Free Times’ Best of Columbia awards in the dessert category. ¢-$

No Name Deli

Scoopy Doo

Newk’s Eatery

newks.com VISTA: 707 Gervais St., 803-888-6788

DOWNTOWN: 2042 Marion St., 803-252-0480

Mon-Fri 10 a.m.-3:45 p.m.

This popular downtown lunch spot is anything but anonymous. Grab a tray and line up for sandwiches (hot or cold), salads and homemade soup. Pay at the register when you get your food, though be sure to

FIVE POINTS: 725 Saluda Ave., 803-765-6999

Mon-Thu 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri-Sat 8 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

Housemade gelato and sorbetto incorporating some excellent local ingredients, including coffee from Drip, which is right next door. ¢

Winter 2015-16 | free-times.com/restaurants

Sweet Cream Company

sweetcreamcompany.com DOWNTOWN: 1627 Main St., 803-251-3311 Mon noon-8 p.m., Wed-Sat noon-8 p.m., Sun 1-5 p.m.

Fancy some handcrafted ice cream or sorbet? Sweet Cream Co. does it best, with an ever-rotating selection of handmade, creative frozen flavors using local and organic ingredients. ¢.

ETHIOPIAN Harambe Ethiopian Restaurant iloveharambe.com/home.html FIVE POINTS: 2006 Senate St., 803-764-5510

Tue-Thu 11 a.m.-11 p.m. ; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-midnight; Sun noon-11 p.m.

Wonderful stews, veggies and curries are served atop injera, a sourdough flatbread made from teff, a North African grain. A warm and inviting restaurant with a large bar, too. $

FOOD TRUCK 2 Fat 2 Fly Stuffed Chicken Wings

2fat2flywings.com FOOD TRUCK: 803-622-6063 Creamy macaroni and cheese stuffed inside a chicken wing?! It’s true. Or jambalaya? Or an inside-out chicken parmigiana? All these delicacies and more can be yours: For locations and hours, follow the truck on Twitter at @2fat2flywings, check the calendar at 2fat2flywings.com or call the truck. Also has a brick-and-mortar location called Wing City; see the BBQ/Wings/Ribs section for details. ¢.

Belgian Waffle Truck

thebelgianwaffletruck.com FOOD TRUCK: 803-606-6780 Serves authentic Liege waffles — a dense, browned version of the Belgian waffle — with toppings both sweet and savory. Try the Ouf-Ti Waffle, which features goat cheese, lettuce, duck and chicken confit and an onion confiture. ¢-$.

Bone-In Artisan Barbecue on Wheels

artisanbbqtruck.com FOOD TRUCK: 803-728-7512 Smoked meats on homemade focaccia; cilantro-lime coleslaw; grilled pimento cheese sandwiches on jalapeño cornbread — this is barbecue done fancy and right. For locations and hours, follow the truck on Twitter (@ artisanbbqtruck) or check the website. ¢-$.

Pawleys Front Porch Truck

pawleysmobileeats.com FOOD TRUCK: 803-729-5397 Hire the truck for your next event — and when you see it parked somewhere, sidle up to the window for great burgers, fish tacos, grilled chicken and more. ¢

The Wurst Wagen

thewurstwagen.com FOOD TRUCK: 803-463-6637 This mobile food truck boasts a Germantrained master butcher and a whole lot of delicious German sausages, not to mention occasional doner kebab. There are specials every now and then, so visit them often to get the best prices. For locations and hours, follow the truck on twitter: @BestWurstWagen. ¢

FRENCH Crepes and Croissants

DOWNTOWN: 1465 Sumter St., 803-462-4779

Mon-Fri 7 a.m.-3 p.m.; Sat. 8 a.m.-2 p.m.; Sun 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

A real French creperie in the heart of downtown Columbia? Oui, c’est vrai. Choose from a variety of creative savory and sweet crepes, in addition to savory tarts, croissants, salads

and a few French desserts. The Nutella-filled crepe is rather amazing, and the Paris crepe is a classic. ¢.

GERMAN

from tandoori to raita to naan, plus occasional Hyderabadi specials you won’t find at other Midlands Indian restaurants. If you like seriously spicy food, ask for some housemade hot sauce. $.

Julia’s German Restaurant

ITALIAN

Blvd., 803-738-0630

Alodia’s Cucina Italiana

GARNERS FERRY/SOUTHEAST: 4341 Fort Jackson

Tue-Fri 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; 5-9 p.m.; Sat 5-9 p.m.

Old-fashioned, homestyle German comfort cooking. From bratwurst to schnitzel, Julia’s has you covered. Bring a healthy appetite and love for all things Deutsch. ¢.

GREEK/ MEDITERRANEAN Ariana’s Greek Restaurant

arianasofwestcolumbia.com WEST COLUMBIA/CAYCE: 1720 Sunset Blvd., 803-796-4430 Mon-Thu 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; Fri 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sat noon-10 p.m.

A Greek restaurant with an international flair.

Along with the gyros, souvlaki, pastichio and moussaka on the menu, you’ll also find Indian samosas and a lamb pilaf that’s considered the national dish of Afghanistan. $

Boeshreen

boeshreen.com NORTHEAST: 2630 Decker Blvd., 803-980-989-7356 Mon-Sun 7 a.m.-11 p.m.

A fascinating combination of Mediterranean, Libyan and American dishes make up the menu at this cafe and bakery — burgers, wings, falafel sandwiches, gyros, baba ghanoush, shakshouka (eggs poached in a spiced tomato sauce) — and some Libyan favorites, including pastries.

HARBISON/IRMO: 2736 North Lake Dr.,

803-781-9814

Tue-Thu 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5-9:30 p.m.

Classy Italian dining, from the favorites (fettucine alfredo, manicotti, veal piccata) to the fancy (seafood risotto, pork ribeye). $.

Al’s Upstairs

alsupstairsitalian.com

WEST COLUMBIA/CAYCE: 304 Meeting St.,

803-794-7404

Mon-Sat 5 p.m.-until Italian fine dining since 1979. Executive chef employs an Old World style influenced by his grandmother’s cooking. Lobster bisque is served with a popular puff pastry dome that locks in flavors and aromas. Offers fresh fish, veal, pasta and steaks with impeccable service and a beautiful view of Columbia’s skyline. $$.

Columbo’s Italian Eatery & Prime Steaks columbos.net

ST. ANDREWS/DUTCH SQUARE: 2100 Bush River

Rd. (inside the Radisson Hotel), 744-2200

Mon-Sun 6 a.m.-midnight Italian cuisine with a Tuscan flair and boasting “The Best Steak in Town.” Premium steaks are barrel-cut in house, and restaurant also offers a do-it-yourself pasta bar as well as breakfast. $-$$.

Delucca’s deluccas.com

WEST COLUMBIA/CAYCE: 2275 Sunset Blvd.,

803-926-5255

Mon-Fri 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 4:30-9 p.m.; Sat 4-9 p.m.

Italian eatery featuring traditional favorites such as chicken and veal parmesan and primavera in addition to veal piccata and stuffed eggplant. Also includes pasta, ravioli, pizza, calzone and strombolis. $.

Moe’s Grapevine Italian Restaurant moesgrapevine.com

GARNERS FERRY/SOUTHEAST: 4478 Rosewood

Dr., 803-776-8463

Mon-Tue 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 5-9 p.m.; Wed-Fri 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 5-10 p.m.; Sat 5-10 p.m.

City Councilman Moe Baddourah is a chef, too, and his restaurant specializes in Mediterranean cooking as well as daily specials and special pizza selections alongside an impressive array of soups, salads and desserts. $.

Pasta Fresca

pastafresca.net FOREST ACRES: 4722 Forest Dr., 803-787-1838 Sun-Thu 4:30-10 p.m.; Fri-Sat 4:30-10:30 p.m.

Family-owned restaurant that features pasta dishes with fresh, made-from-scratch sauces and pastas. Innovative nightly seafood specials, a good selection of vegetarian dishes and welcoming atmosphere make this a local favorite. Now in a slick new location near the old one. ¢-$.

Ristorante Divino

ristorantedivino.com VISTA: 803 Gervais St., 803-799-4550 Mon-Sat 6 p.m.-10 p.m.

Some of the best fine dining in Columbia or anywhere else. Features classic northern Italian dishes, including the signature rack of

Mediterranean Tea Room

SHANDON/ROSEWOOD: 2601 Devine St.,

Tios Mexican café

803-799-3118

Mon-Tue 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 5:30-8:45 p.m.; Wed-Fri-11:30 a.m.-2:15 p.m.; Wed-Sat 5:30-9:45 p.m.

Wide selection of traditional Middle Eastern food such as hummus, baba ghanoush, falafel and tabbouleh. Specialty dish is kofta kebob, a combination of lamb and beef mixed with parsley, celery and spices. Entrees include chicken, lamb, beef and vegetarian dishes, plus nightly specials. ¢-$.

921 Sumter St

www.tiosSC.com

INDIAN 2Gingers 2gingers.biz

ST. ANDREWS/DUTCH SQUARE: 245 Bush River

Rd., 803-772-5121

VEGAN FRIENDLY

803 252 7229 We Deliver!

TEX-MEX •FULL BAR •POOL ROOM

Mon and Wed-Fri 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m., 5-9:30 p.m.; Sat-Sun 11 a.m.-3 p.m., 5-9:30 p.m.

Featuring a range of South and North Indian dishes, this Boozer Shopping Center onestop satisfies vegetarians and omnivores alike. The South Indian dosai (stuffed savory crepes) are not to be missed. $.

Delhi Palace delhipalace.ms11.net

ST. ANDREWS/DUTCH SQUARE: 542 St. Andrews

Rd., 803-750-7760

Sun 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and 5-10 p.m.; Mon-Thu 11 a.m.3 p.m. and 5-10 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and 5-10:30 p.m.

This much-loved Indian restaurant offers a buffet as well as traditional menu items including rich curries, biryani and a range of Indian breads. Savvy enough to please afficionados and newcomers alike. ¢-$.

Spice Junction

WEST COLUMBIA/CAYCE: 2335 Augusta Rd.,

803-708-9158

Mon-Sat- 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m., 5-8:30 p.m.

Delicious Indian restaurant has everything

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| freetimes

13

lamb and the excellent gnocchi, but also more inventive fare, especially when it comes to seafood. Wine list consistently wins awards. $$.

cakes are big and fluffy, entrees are excellent across the board and soups are particularly good. $-$$.

Rosso Trattoria Italia

Villa Tronco

sashimi and other Japanese cuisine take center stage. Popular with families and large groups for their spectacular Inakaya Boat Specials. Good variety and value. $.

villatronco.com DOWNTOWN: 1213 Blanding St., 803-256-7677

Inakaya Watanabe

Mon-Thu 5-10 p.m.; Fri-Sat 5-11 p.m. (Bar opens at 4:30 p.m. every day) Part sexy, part Old World rustic, this Forest Acres restaurant is a Columbia gem. Out-ofthis-world seafood highlights the excellent Italian-Mediterranean menu, but don’t miss out on the wood-fired traditional pizzas.

Entrées include Rosso Bucco (tee hee), wood-grilled meats and seafood, rich pastas and sea scallops with lemon-saffron risotto. A winner all the way around. $-$$.

Mon-Fri 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and 5-10 p.m.; Sat 5-10 p.m.

A Columbia institution for more than 60 years, Villa Tronco serves consistently generous portions of traditional Italian fare such as veal parmagiana, chicken piccata and linguine with clams. Make sure to leave room for Carmella’s Famous Cheesecake. $.

ST. ANDREWS/DUTCH SQUARE:

Stephano’s

camonsushi.com DOWNTOWN: 1332 Assembly St., 803-254-5400

rossocolumbia.com FOREST ACRES: 4840 Forest Dr., 803-787-3949

LEXINGTON: 420 Columbia Ave., 803-359-5436

Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

Reliable Italian-American fare: chicken parmesan, spaghetti, raviolis, manicottis and pizzas, to name a few. Lunch menu includes personal midget pizzas and a variety of hot and cold subs. Salads and homemade pimento cheese also are available. ¢-$.

Tony’s Pizza and Italian Eatery

tonyspizzadowntown.com DOWNTOWN: 1120 Washington St., 803-779-3000 Mon-Fri 7 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Below-ground downtown favorite offers pastas, subs, salads, lasagna, spaghetti and chicken.

Travinia Italian Kitchen

traviniaitaliankitchen.com NORTHEAST: 101-A Sparkleberry Cr., 419-9313 LEXINGTON: 5074 Sunset Dr., 803-957-2422 Mon-Thu 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sun 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m.

A fine dining Italian eatery with a bit of Southern spice to give the menu a unique flair. Crab

JAPANESE/SUSHI Camon Japanese Restaurant

Tue-Sat 5-9:30 p.m.

The only sushi spot in Columbia’s downtown business district defiantly refuses to serve lunch and earns its keep by offering an exotic alternative to the more mainstream restaurant options available in the nearby Vista. Beloved by devoted regulars for the outstanding food, service and atmosphere. $.

Menkoi Ramen House

Seoul Restaurant and Grocery

VISTA: 1004 Gervais St., 803-708-1569

NORTHEAST: 1717 Decker Blvd., 803-790-0090

Sun-Thu 11 a.m.- 2:30 p.m. and 5-11 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.- 2:30 p.m. and 5 p.m.-3 a.m.

Surprised to find legitimate Japanese ramen in the heart of the Vista? You shouldn’t be: The proprietor of beloved sushi joint Inakaya is now slinging noodles. We’re told the beef and vegetable curry — a mild, brown-gravy concoction served over rice — is highly authentic, as well. ¢.

Mon-Sat 9 a.m.-8 p.m.

This charming restaurant and grocery offers authentic homestyle Korean fare in a casual setting. $.

MEXICAN/ SOUTHWESTERN

SakiTumi Grill & Sushi Bar

7 Mares

sakifresh.com VISTA: 807 Gervais St., 803-931-0700

Inakaya Japanese Restaurant

Tsunami

NORTHEAST: 224 O’Neil Ct., 803-699-2626

Mon 5-10 p.m.; Tue-Fri 11:45 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5-10 p.m.; Fri-Sat 5-11 p.m.; Sun 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. and 4-9 p.m.

Elegant seating where outstanding sushi,

Mon-Fri 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. and 4-10 p.m.; Sat-Sun 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m.

Mon-Sat 4-11:45 p.m. Sun 4-10:45 p.m.

Trendy, chic sushi bar and restaurant with elegant, contemporary atmosphere and ample seating areas to complement extensive sake, wine and beer selection. $.

NORTHEAST: 1943 Decker Blvd., 803-790-5506

Tue-Sun 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

You’ll feel right at home in this Korean restaurant, where the staff will take charge as if they were your own mom. Serves up such delights as pork belly grilled right at your table, plus Korean classics and banchan — and cold beer, of course. ¢-$

Blue Cactus Café

bluecactuscafe.com FIVE POINTS: 2002 Greene St., 803-929-0782 Wed-Fri 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and 5-9 p.m.; Sat noon-9 p.m.

This unassuming little eatery boasts a serious culinary reputation, specializing in home style Korean food mixed with Mexican and other influences to create a sizzling menu that is especially vegetarian-friendly. Quality takes time, however, so don’t go if you’re in a hurry. ¢.

Hero Korean Steak House

columbiahero.com NORTHEAST: 6634 Two Notch Rd., 803-699-9922

SUN: 11AM-10PM

Follow us on for a chance to win stuff!

And follow your nose: 2112 Devine Street

14 freetimes |

Cantina 76 cantina76.com

2901 Devine St., 803-708-6004 Mon-Tue 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m., 4:30-9:30 p.m.; Wed-Fri 4:30 p.m.-10 p.m.; Sat 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

DOWNTOWN: 1301 Main St., 803-764-1769

Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.

Draws everyone from singles at the bar to couples and families, all of whom come for the Tex-Mex cuisine — and some of whom also go for the excellent margaritas, made in all shapes, flavors and sizes with top-shelf tequilas. $.

LEXINGTON: 1792 S. Lake Dr., 803-957-0840 ST. ANDREWS/DUTCH SQUARE:

Arirang

SIT. STAY.

Mon-Thu 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri-Sat 10 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sun 10 a.m.-10 p.m.

That’s mar-es, as in Spanish for oceans, not English for girl horses. Serves up the oceans’ bounty, featuring Mexican favorites like red snapper Veracruz-style, lobster soup, ceviche, spicy shrimp, octopus salad and more. Also serves Mexican-American classics like fajitas and carnitas. $.

Chapala Mexican Restaurant

KOREAN

TUE-SUN: 4-10PM

LEXINGTON: 4360 Augusta Rd., 803-520-0067

SHANDON/ROSEWOOD:

tsunamicompany.com HARBISON/IRMO: 1290 Bower Pkwy., 803-407-3873 THE VISTA: 700-C Gervais St., 312-9911

@

NORTHEAST: 1616 Decker Blvd., 803-787-1100

Mon 5-10 p.m.; Tue-Fri 11:45 a.m.-2 p.m., 5-10 p.m.; Sat 5-11 p.m.

Excellent sushi, sashimi and traditional Japanese dishes. $

655-C St. Andrews Rd., 803-731-2538

Sun-Thu 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 4:30-10 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 4:30-11 p.m.

Swanky Japanese restaurant and bar features plenty of classics — hibachi items, potstickers, stir frys, fried rice, sushi, donburi, plus some curve balls like baked mussels and spring rolls. $.

ganbeirestaurants.com LEXINGTON: 5580-F Sunset Blvd., 803-808-1618

O Bok Korean Restaurant

Tue-Thu 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; Sun 12:30-9 p.m.

O Bok is popular with Korean folks for good reason — the authenticity of the food. Dishes include the traditional barbecued beef and stir-fries as well as more exotic offerings.

Meals are served with a big assortment of banchan, or Korean-style small dishes. ¢.

facebook.com/InakayaWatanabe

Sun-Thu 5-10 p.m.; Fri-Sat 5-until Upscale Vista hotspot includes a popular bar area and a separate sushi bar. Extensive sake list complements beer and wine offerings, and SakiTumi also has weekly sushi and drink specials that are easy on the wallet. Plenty of non-sushi items on menu, including grilled items and tasty appetizers such as the lotus root chips. Also check out their regular sushimaking classes. $.

Ganbei

bi bim bap, from the owners of the former DJ House. Beer and wine available. $

Mon-Tue and Thu-Sat 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., 5-9 p.m.; Sun 5-9 p.m.

Yes, those are live, glowing coals in the middle of your table. Specializes in authentic Korean dishes such as gal bi (short ribs in a house sauce) and hwe dup bob (mixed raw fish and spicy sauce atop rice). ¢-$$.

Korea Garden

NORTHEAST: 2318 Decker Blvd., 803-760-3888

Mon and Wed-Thu 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

Traditional Korean foods, from spicy stews to

7001 St. Andrews Rd., 803-749-7071 Sun-Thu 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri: 11 a.m.-11 p.m.

Mexican-American and border region specialties, from fajitas to chilaquiles to fish tacos, plus the combination platters you’d expect.

Lots of tortas (sandwiches) if you’ve got a big lunch appetite. $.

El Burrito

FIVE POINTS: 934 Harden St., 803-765-2188

Mon-Sat 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m.

El Burrito serves healthy, super-fresh, authentic taqueria-style food. Beans and rice, chicken, beef, soup, salads and more.

Attention to healthy food and local produce.

Vegan- and vegetarian-friendly. Cold beer, hot salsas and good people. ¢.

JP’s 4 Corners Signature Southwest

jp4corners.com NORTHEAST: 150 Forum Dr., 803-865-1001 Mon 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m.; Tue-Thu 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sun noon-9 p.m.

“4 Corners” refers to the spot where Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado and Utah meet in the Southwest — and the menu includes a wide variety of Southwestern-edged dishes with a hickory-grilled flavor. $.

Publico Kitchen and Tap

publicokitchenandtap.com FIVE POINTS: 2013 Greene St., 803-661-9043 Sun-Thu 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-midnight A long row of craft beer taps sets the stage for the fun, fresh flavors of Publico. Featuring

Winter 2015-16 | free-times.com/restaurants

tacos inspired by ethnic foods from banh mi to Hawaiian poke to pad Thai, Publico serves up tasty modern Mexican-inspired fare. $.

Green Olive Restaurant

Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom

Real Mexico

Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

Mon-Sun 11 a.m.-2 a.m.

Combine your barbecue chicken, Hawaiian or Thai pie with a beer, glass of wine or cocktail.

Also offers mac n’ cheese, fish and burgers. ¢-$.

ST. ANDREWS/DUTCH SQUARE:

2421 Bush River Rd., 803-750-8990 Mon-Thurs 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

Plenty of authentic Mexican and Southwestern restaurant foods, from tortas to carne asada to fajitas to chimichangas to fish tacos.

Full bar with margarita specials. $

Takosushi

tako-sushi.com VISTA: 1115 Assembly St., 803-771-7131 Mon-Thu 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sat noon-11 p.m.; Sun noon-9:30 p.m.

Tacos! Sushi! Takosushi! A sushi joint and casual Mexican restaurant rolled into one, Takosushi offers burritos, enchiladas, tacos (“takos,” actually), sashimi, bento boxes and more. $

Taqueria Jalisco

ST. ANDREWS/DUTCH SQUARE: 612 St. Andrews

Rd., 803-731-5546

Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.

Friendly Mexican joint bursting with flavor. ¢-$.

Tin Lizzy’s Cantina

tinlizzyscantina.com VISTA: 700-C Gervais St., 803-768-4562 Sun-Thu 11 a.m.-midnight; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-2 a.m.

Billing itself as “FlexMex,” this Atlanta-based eatery boasts soft tacos, quesadillas (the chickenbacon-ranch quesadilla is popular), salads, specialty skillets and more — plus more fancy margaritas than you can shake a stick at. $.

Tio’s Mexican Cafe tiossc.com

DOWNTOWN: 921-A Sumter St., 803-252-7229

Mon-Wed 11 a.m.-midnight.; Thu-Sat 11 a.m.-1:45 a.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m.

Locally owned Tex-Mex café distinguished by its extensive and eclectic salsa offerings.

Features an array of tacos, sandwiches, chimichangas, salads and the famous wet burrito, which comes smothered in sauce and/ or queso — or a vegan option featuring vegan cheese. Check out the award-winning No. 4 Salsa. Full bar features tequilas and beers galore. Open late, and delivers late, too. ¢.

MIDDLE EASTERN Al-Amir

DOWNTOWN: 1734 Main St., 803-401-5882

Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

Authentic and well-prepared Middle Eastern cuisine including hummus, falafel, lamb kabob, mujadara and shawarma. Salads, subs and daily dessert specials round out the menu. Housed in a spacious renovated building across from City Hall. ¢-$.

Arabesque SHANDON/ROSEWOOD:

2930 Devine St., 803-779-6299 Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

All your Middle Eastern favorites, from shawarma to tabouli to falafel, not to mention pizzas and — for lunch, at least — wraps and burgers. Also serves alcohol. $ .

Elie’s Authentic Lebanese Cuisine

ST. ANDREWS/DUTCH SQUARE:

1058 St. Andrews Rd., 803-798-9664

Tue-Sat 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Elie’s features fine Middle Eastern dining in a friendly atmosphere. Food on offer ranges from falafel and baba ghanoush to kibbeh balls, kabobs and shawarma. Also offers some excellent Lebanese wines. Now open for lunch only. ¢-$

greenolivesc.com DOWNTOWN: 922 Main St., 803-764-3740 Fresh, tasty Middle Eastern food featuring all your favorites, from baba ghanoush to beef kebabs. $

Pitas

DOWNTOWN: 1800 Taylor St., 803-343-3454 DOWNTOWN: 1901 Main St., 803-834-7310

Mon-Fri 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. and 5-8 p.m.

From the owner of the Mediterranean Tea Room comes this lunch locale featuring Mediterranean/Middle Eastern fare. Taylor Street location includes a Middle Eastern grocery store inside. Sure, pitas are on the menu, but so are some delicious salads, wraps and more. ¢.

Sahara on Main

saharaonmain.com DOWNTOWN: 629 Main St., 803-851-1118 Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

Moroccan and Mediterranean food handy to the USC campus. Features fresh-baked Damascus bread and a range of Middle Eastern favorites. ¢-$.

PIZZA Dano’s Pizza

danosdelivers.com SHANDON/ROSEWOOD:

3008 Rosewood Dr., 803-254-3266 Mon-Thu 11:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sun noon-10:30 p.m.

New York-style and gourmet pizzas sold by the pie or slice include the Spicy Buffalo Chicken, the Barbecue Chicken, the Meat Lovers and the Deluxe. Dinner menu also offers veal parmesan, manicotti and stuffed shells. Not a bad place to drink a beer and watch the game, either. ¢.-$

Fast Eddies Calzones

eddiescalzones.com FIVE POINTS: 817 Harden St., 803-764-3669

oldchicago.com VISTA: 802 Gervais St., Ste. 100C, 803-252-3100

Persona Pizzeria

personapizzeria.com DOWNTOWN: 1202 Main St., 803-661-9096 Sun-Thu 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

First, you tell the friendly staff at Persona what you want on your individual pizza.

Then, they stick it in a wood-fired oven.

Presto: tasty, authentic Neapolitan-style pizza. Offers salads, too. $.

Pizza Joint

thepizzajoint.net FOREST ACRES: 3246 Forest Dr., 803-454-1743 Mon-Wed 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Thu-Sat 11 a.m.-midnight; Sun 11 a.m.-11 p.m.

This popular Forest Acres spot has pizza, obviously, but it also serves up calzones, strombolis and sandwiches, along with a wide selection of beer with which to wash down that yummy Italian goodness. ¢-$

Pizza Man Pizzeria SHANDON/ROSEWOOD:

341 S. Woodrow St., 803-252-6931 Mon-Thu 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Fri 11 a.m.-midnight; Sat 7 a.m.-midnight; Sun 7 a.m.-11 p.m.

Pizza Man is a comfortable, low-key restaurant offering good pizza at a steal.

Serves a wide variety of toppings, as well as appetizers, subs, hamburgers, salads and chicken wings. ¢.

Rio’s Pizza and Bagels

rios5points.com FIVE POINTS: 707 Harden St., 803-851-5605 Mon-Sun 10 a.m.-4 a.m.

Rio’s Pizza and Bagels serves both the pre-

party and the post-party crowd, staying open well after the bars close. Or you could have the party at Rio’s, which has $10 mimosa towers in addition to fresh-made pizza and bagels. ¢

Village Idiot

villageidiotpizza.com FIVE POINTS: 2009 Devine St., 803-252-8646 Mon-Sun 11:30 a.m.-until; Delivery: 11:30 a.m.-midnight

FOREST ACRES: 4517 Forest Dr., 803-252-8646

Mon-Thu 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

VISTA: 612 Whaley St., 803-252-8646

Mon-Sun 11 a.m.-11 p.m.

Offering New York-style hand-tossed pizza by the pie or slice for lunch, dinner and delivery, the original Five Points location of the Village Idiot is a favored spot for USC students. Other featured menu items include sandwiches (Jersey Cheesesteak), wings, calzones and strombolis, pasta (baked ziti), salads and wings. ¢.

Za’s Brick Oven Pizza zasbrickovenpizza.com SHANDON/ROSEWOOD:

2930 Devine St., 803-771-7334 Pizzas of all sorts, plus salads, sandwiches, pastas, calzones and more round out the menu at this chic Shandon eatery. $

SEAFOOD Blue Fin Seafood Restaurant and Bar

bluefinrestaurantandbar.com/ NORTHEAST: 461-4 Town Center Pl., 803-865-7346 Mon-Thu 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Fri 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sun 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m.

Brunch, lunch and dinner with a marine focus, from the lovely crab dip to the lobster ravioli and many fresh fish options. Steaks, chicken and the like will keep the non-seafood-loving happy. $

Sun-Mon 11 a.m.-4 a.m.

Has over 60 variations to choose from including Diablo, dragon and cheesecake calzones. Delivery open until 4 a.m. which means you’ll have something to soak up the alcohol any day of the week. ¢

Il Giorgione Pizzeria and Wine Bar ilgiorgione.com

SHANDON/ROSEWOOD:

2406 Devine St., 803-521-5063 Tue- Fri 11:30 a.m.- 10 p.m.; Sat 5:30-11 p.m.

Authentic pizzas and pastas, plus nice touches like an Italian cheese plate and lovely arugula salads. Good selection of affordable Italian wines. $

Mellow Mushroom

mellowmushroomcolumbia.com VISTA: 1009 Gervais St., 803-933-9201

135 Sunset Blvd.

(803) 791-4060

Mon-Wed 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Thu 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-midnight; Sun noon-9 p.m.

LEXINGTON: 5364 Sunset Blvd., 803-359-0778

Mon-Thu 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-midnight; Sun noon-10 p.m.

A popular lunch and dinner spot, Mellow Mushroom serves gourmet hand-tossed pies, along with huge calzones, hoagies and salads, all with fresh ingredients. Pizza toppings range from jerk chicken and pineapple to plain-old pepperoni. Large beer selection, with more taps upstairs at the Vista location. $.

Nicky’s Pizzeria

Across from

nickyspizzaria.com/Menus.html FIVE POINTS: 2123 Greene St., 748-9661 Mon-Wed 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Thu-Sat 11 a.m.-3 a.m.

Choose between a traditional New York-style thin crust pizza and a Sicilian-style thick crust — or just pick one of the tasty calzones, subs or salads on offer. Bottled and draft beer, too.

2009

Rosewood Crossing (803) 787-6820

2009 09

free-times.com/restaurants | Winter 2015-16

| freetimes

15

Blue Marlin

hip, trendy ambience and signature martinis also make it a hotspot for Columbia’s young, urban professional crowd. $

Mon-Fri 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., 5-10 p.m.; Sat 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sun 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m.

Specializing in creative seafood dishes with a decidedly Lowcountry flair, Blue Marlin also serves hand-cut steaks and prime rib. Shrimp and grits is a top seller, with the grits coming from right across the street at Adluh Flour.

Don’t overlook other tasty options such as the Crispy Firecracker Flounder served with a jalapeno salsa. Private dining facility available. $.

Seafood Academy

ruthschris.com VISTA: 924-A Senate St. (Hilton Hotel), 803-212-6666

Mon-Thu 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11:30 a.m.-11:30 p.m.; Sun 11:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m.

Serves traditional seafood like fried calamari, tuna salad and crab legs. Tailgate menu includes chicken wings, ribs, mashed potatoes and more. $-$$.

Bonefish Grill

STEAKHOUSE

bluemarlincolumbia.com VISTA: 1200 Lincoln St., 803-799-3838

bonefishgrill.com FOREST ACRES: 4708 Forest Dr., 803-787-6200 HARBISON/IRMO: 1260 Bower Pkwy., 803-407-1599 Mon-Thu 4-10:30 p.m.; Fri 4-11:30 p.m.; Sat 11 a.m.-11:30 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

Based out of St. Petersburg, Florida, Bonefish Grill specializes in offering the freshest seafood possible and boasts an oak-burning grill and a wide range of sauces. Pasta, chicken, pork and steak dishes round out the menu to suit varied tastes. ¢-$.

Oyster Bar

oysterbarcolumbia.com VISTA: 1123 Park St., 803-799-4484 Mon-Wed 4-10 p.m.; Thu-Sat 4-11 p.m. (bar open later) A true, old-fashioned oyster bar, and the Vista’s first. Sit at the bar and let your server shuck you some steamed or raw Gulf oysters. Also serves steamed shrimp and scallops, plus shrimp and grits, crab legs and side dishes. ¢-$.

Pearlz Oyster Bar

pearlzoysterbar.com VISTA: 936 Gervais St., 803-661-7741 Mon-Sun 4 p.m.-2 a.m.

Pearlz specializes in fresh oysters, regional seafood and Lowcountry recipes. But its

theseafoodacademysc.com FOREST ACRES: 3400 Forest Dr., 803-536-4558

Carolina Strip Club

carolinastripclub.com VISTA: 902 Gervais St., 803-764-4017 Mon-Thu 5-10 p.m.; Fri-Sat 5 p.m.-midnight; Sun 5-9 p.m.

Steaks. Salads. Steak salads. Burgers, too, and seafood. Your straight-up American steakhouse. $-$$

Cowboy Brazilian Steakhouse

cowboybraziliansteakhouse.com DOWNTOWN: 1508 Main St., 803-728-0887 Mon-Fri 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sat. 4-10 p.m.; Sun 4-9 p.m.

Visit the enormous salad bar, then partake in the never-ending parade of sizzling grilled meats being carried around the dining room.

Some 30 cuts available, including filet mignon, chicken wing, pork sausage, lamb shoulder and beef picanha — a special Brazilian cut. $$.

Ruth’s Chris Steak House

Thailand Restaurant

Sun-Thu 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-11 p.m.

What can you say, it’s Ruth’s freaking Chris.

Among the best steaks on planet Earth, hands down, and you’ll be paying mightily for them. Their seafood rocks, too. $$.

Mon-Thu 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m., 5-9 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m., 5-9:30 p.m.; Sat-Sun 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m., 5-9 p.m.

Authentic and delicious Thai food. Serves numerous entrées, soups and salads, with choices of mild, medium or hot. $.

TAPAS

VEGETARIAN

Blue.

Good Life Cafe

Mon-Sat 5 p.m.-2 a.m.

A tapas bar and cocktail lounge that features the city’s only ice bar to go with breads and spreads and tapas items. Also serves salads, chips and dips and desserts. Enjoy sitting outside under the patio listening to the waterfall.

And seriously, that ice bar is sweet. ¢-$.

Mon-Thu 7 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri-Sat 7 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sun 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

So much vegan awesomeness. The raw menu and specials feature a tasty and everrotating array of mock foods: tacos, tostadas, wraps, sandwiches, tarts and more. Also has a cooked menu with everything from grilled wraps to bean-and-grain bowls. Large selection of fresh squeezed juices and herbal tonics, and some scrumptious desserts. A full bar rounds out the awesomeness. $.

facebook.com/blueinthevista VISTA: 721-A Lady St., 803-251-4447

Gervais & Vine

gervine.com VISTA: 620-A Gervais St., 803-799-8463 Mon-Thu 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 4:30-10 p.m.; Fri 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 4:30-11 p.m.; Sat 4:30-11 p.m.

True Mediterranean wine and tapas bar with more than 40 wines by the glass and a wide selection of appetizers. Dishes prepared in open kitchen and are a fusion of Greek, Italian and Spanish cuisine with Southern influences. A Vista gem. ¢-$.

Rd., 803-731-7715

goodlifecafe.net DOWNTOWN: 1614 Main St., 803-726-2310

Lamb’s Bread Vegan Café

lambsbreadvegancafe.com DOWNTOWN: 2338 Main St., 803-253-7889

Rioz Brazilian Steakhouse

THAI

Mon-Thu 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Fri-Sat. 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

One of the city’s only restaurants catering to both vegans and vegetarians. Entire menu is vegan and uses locally grown and organic produce. Mock meats, sandwiches, vegetable dishes and fresh fruit juices available. Menu avoids genetically modified ingredients and tap water. ¢.

HARBISON/IRMO: 410 Columbiana Dr., 803-708-3151

Baan Sawan

Rosewood Market & Deli

rioz.com

Mon-Fri 5-10 p.m.; Sat.-Sun 4-10pm Giant skewers stacked with meat and a massive salad bar — and you can have as much of it as you want. $$

FIVE POINTS: 2135 Devine St., 803-252-8992

Tue-Sat 5:30-9 p.m.

Not your typical Thai restaurant, Baan Sawan serves expertly prepared Thai standards like pad thai and curries, but also offers dishes you won’t find elsewhere and inventive seafood creations. It’s pricey Thai food, but well worth it. Classy setting and staff, too. $-$$.

Bangkok Restaurant

GARNERS FERRY/SOUTHEAST: 7546 Garners Ferry

Rd., 803-724-2255

Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

Bangkok was one of the first Thai restaurants in Columbia and remains worth the search.

The pad thai and kaou pad bai kapow are favorites. Offers a wide range of Thai cuisine, as well as soups and Thai iced tea. Also serves Chinese. ¢-$.

Basil Thai Restaurant

ENJOY THE COOLER WEATHER ON OUR DOG-FRIENDLY PATIO. BRUNCH • BREAKFAST • LUNCH DINNER • HAPPY HOUR WEST COLUMBIA/CAYCE

BEST BRUNCH BEST BREAKFAST BEST PLACE FOR A BUSINESS BREAKFAST

300 STATE STREET

2015

803.794.6634 • www.cafestrudel.com Open Wed-Sun for dinner at 5pm

SHANDON/ROSEWOOD:

2803 Rosewood Dr., 803-765-1083 Store hours: Mon-Sat 8 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sun 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Hot meals served Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-7:30 p.m.; Saturday breakfast: 9 a.m.-11:30 a.m.; Sunday brunch: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

A natural-foods grocery featuring fresh organic produce, herbs and spices, as well as natural beauty aids and popular supplements.

The deli serves a diverse selection of hot gourmet meals, salads, breads, pastries and desserts. The daily grain bowl is a standout.

Eat in or take out. ¢.

VIETNAMESE Golden Chopstix goldenchopstix.us

WEST COLUMBIA/CAYCE: 1505 Charleston Hwy.,

803-791-0206

GARNERS FERRY/SOUTHEAST:

Mon-Thu 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 5-10 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., 5-11 p.m; Sun noon-9 p.m.

Housed at the upscale Cross Hill Market, this Charleston import features Thai classics and approachable twists thereupon. Nice cocktail selection. $.

Mon-Thu 11 a.m.-2 p.m., 5-8:30 p.m.; Fri 11 a.m.-2 p.m., 5-9:30 p.m.; Sat noon-2 p.m., 5-9:30 p.m.

Serves Thai and Vietnamese dishes. This quiet, tucked away restaurant is a pleasant surprise; the décor is tasteful and simple, and the service is excellent. Dishes are prepared fresh when they are ordered — even the curry. Also serves sushi. ¢.

Mai Thai

Pho Viet

maithais.com

WEST COLUMBIA/CAYCE: 2249 Sunset Blvd.,

803-939-4795

BEST RESTAURANT

rosewoodmarket.com

eatatbasil.com

700 Cross Hill Rd., 803-782-0716

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ST. ANDREWS/DUTCH SQUARE: 6024 St. Andrews

pho-viet.com NORTHEAST: 2300 Decker Blvd., 803-699-5959 Mon-Sun 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m.

Mon-Thu 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m and 5-9 p.m.; Fri 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 5-9:30 p.m.; Sat 5-9:30 p.m.

Not just a great Thai restaurant, but also a bubble tea cafe and Asian bakery. Restaurant features Thai classics such as spring rolls, stuffed chicken wing appetizers and a host of noodle and rice dishes and entrees such as rainbow duck, whole red snapper and a host of curries. Also offers reasonably priced lunch special entrees. $.

FIVE POINTS: 2011 Devine St., 803-779-4077

Mon-Sun 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

Though it specializes in pho — the fragrant Vietnamese beef soup served with fresh herbs, bean sprouts and more — Pho Viet also serves spring rolls, chicken and seafood soups, rice bowls and noodle bowls. Also serves jelly pearl drinks and Vietnamese coffee. ¢.

Did we list a restaurant that has closed? Did we overlook your favorite place? Let us know what you think: Email food@free-times.com.

Winter 2015-16 | free-times.com/restaurants

INDEX

BY REGION DOWNTOWN Al-Amir...................................................... 15 Bourbon.....................................................11 California Dreaming................................ 6 Camon Japanese Restaurant............. 14 Cantina 76................................................ 14 Cola’s American Cooking...................... 8 College Grounds Café...........................11 Cool Beans Coffee Co..........................11 Cowboy Brazilian Steakhouse........... 16 Crepes & Croissants.............................. 13 Drip Coffee................................................11 First Citizens Café...................................11 Good Life Café........................................ 16 Green Olive.............................................. 15 Hampton Street Vineyard...................... 8 Hunter-Gatherer.....................................11 Immaculate Consumption ..................11 Lamb’s Bread Vegan Café................... 16 Lizard’s Thicket......................................... 6 Maurice’s Piggie Park............................ 10 Midlands’ Food Arts................................. 6 No Name Deli.......................................... 12 Oak Table.................................................. 10 Persona Pizzeria..................................... 15 Pitas............................................................ 15 Ruth’s Chris.............................................. 16 Sahara on Main....................................... 15 Spotted Salamander............................. 10 Sweet Cream Co.................................... 13 Tio’s Mexican Café................................. 15 Tony’s Pizza and Italian Eatery........... 14 Villa Tronco.............................................. 14 The Whig..................................................... 8

FIVE POINTS Andy’s Deli................................................ 12 Baan Sawan.............................................. 16 Bar None..................................................... 8 Blue Cactus Café.................................... 14 Cellar on Greene...................................... 8 Delaney’s.................................................... 8 DiPrato’s Delicatessen.......................... 12 Drip Coffee................................................11 El Burrito.................................................... 14 Fast Eddie’s Calzones............................ 15 Goat’s........................................................... 8 Gourmet Shop........................................ 12 Groucho’s................................................. 12 Harambe Ethiopian Restaurant......... 12 Harper’s Restaurant................................. 6 Insomnia Cookies.................................. 12 Jake’s............................................................ 8 Mr. Friendly’s.............................................. 8 Nicky’s Pizzeria....................................... 15 Pawleys Front Porch............................... 6 Pho Viet..................................................... 16 Publico Kitchen and Tap...................... 14 Rio’s Pizza and Bagels.......................... 15 Rise Gourmet Goods and Bakeshop....8 Saluda’s...................................................... 10 Scoopy Doo............................................. 12 Southern Belly......................................... 10

Village Idiot.............................................. 15 Yesterdays Restaurant & Tavern ......... 6

FOOD TRUCKS Belgian Waffle Truck............................. 13 Bone-In Artisan Barbecue.................. 13 2 Fat 2 Fly.................................................. 13 Pawleys Front Porch Truck................. 13 Wurst Wagen........................................... 13

FOREST ACRES Ally and Eloise Bakeshop....................... 8 Bonefish Grill........................................... 16 Groucho’s................................................. 12 Happy Café................................................ 6 Lizard’s Thicket......................................... 6 Miyo’s........................................................... 8 Original Pancake House........................ 6 Pasta Fresca............................................. 13 Pizza Joint................................................ 15 Rosso.......................................................... 14 Seafood Academy................................. 16 Tazza Kitchen.......................................... 10 Tombo Grille............................................ 10 Village Idiot.............................................. 15

GADSDEN Big-T Bar-B-Que ................................... 10

GARNERS FERRY/ SOUTHEAST Bangkok Restaurant.............................. 16 Basil Thai Restaurant............................. 16 Big-T Bar-B-Que.................................... 10 Conquest Brewing Co...........................11 Doc’s Barbeque and Southern Buffet.............................. 10 Julia’s German Stammtisch................ 13 Lizard’s Thicket......................................... 6 Midlands Café........................................... 6 Moe’s Grapevine Italian........................ 13 River Rat Brewery....................................11 Swamp Cabbage Brewing Co.............11 Wing City...................................................11

HARBISON/IRMO Alodia’s Cucina Italia............................. 13 Bistro on the Boulevard......................... 8 Blue Flour.................................................. 12 British Bulldog Pub.................................. 8 Carolina Ale House.................................. 6 Copper River Grill..................................... 8 Groucho’s................................................. 12 Liberty on the Lake.................................. 6 Lizard’s Thicket......................................... 6 M Kitchen.................................................... 8 Maurice’s Piggie Park............................ 10 Miyo’s........................................................... 8 Rioz Brazilian Steakhouse................... 16 Sun Ming................................................... 12 Leesville Shealy’s Bar-B-Que House................. 10

LEXINGTON 7 Mares...................................................... 14 Arkos Mojo Grill...................................... 12 Chapala Mexican Restaurant............. 14 Compton’s Kitchen.................................. 6 Flight Deck................................................. 6 Ganbei....................................................... 14

free-times.com/restaurants | Winter 2015-16

Hudson’s Smokehouse........................ 10 Krafty Draft................................................. 8 Lizard’s Thicket......................................... 6 The Lost Cajun........................................ 12 Maurice’s Piggie Park............................ 10 Mellow Mushroom................................ 15 Miyo’s........................................................... 8 Old Mill Brewpub....................................11 Private Property...................................... 12 Stephano’s................................................ 14 Travinia Italian Kitchen.......................... 14

NORTH COLUMBIA Ella’s.............................................................. 6 Main Street Bakery................................. 12

NORTHEAST Allean’s Southern Cuisine...................... 6 Arirang....................................................... 14 Big-T Bar-B-Que.................................... 10 Blue Fin...................................................... 15 Boeshreen................................................ 13 Henry’s......................................................... 8 Hero Korean Steak House................... 14 Inakaya Japanese Restaurant............ 14 JP’s Four Corners................................... 14 Julep’s Bistro.............................................. 8 Korea Garden.......................................... 14 Kiki’s Chicken and Waffles..................... 6 Little Pigs................................................... 10 Lizard’s Thicket......................................... 6 Maurice’s Piggie Park............................ 10 Miyo’s........................................................... 8 O Bok Korean Restaurant.................... 14 Pho Viet..................................................... 16 Quaker Steak and Lube........................ 10 Seoul Restaurant & Grocery............... 14 Solstice Kitchen & Wine Bar............... 10 Stonefire American Grill ...................... 10 Travinia Italian Kitchen.......................... 14

SHANDON/ ROSEWOOD Arabesque................................................ 15 Cantina 76................................................ 14 Crust Bakehouse...................................... 8 Dano’s Pizza............................................. 15 Egg Roll Chen.......................................... 12 Eggs Up Grill.............................................. 6 Il Giorgione.............................................. 15 Henry’s......................................................... 8 Kraken Gastropub.................................... 8 Mediterranean Tea Room.................... 13 Pizza Man.................................................. 15 Publick House......................................... 10 Rockaway Athletic Club......................... 6 Rosewood Market & Deli..................... 16 Silver Spoon Bake Shop......................... 8 Southern Belly......................................... 10 Za’s Brick Oven Pizza............................ 15

ST. ANDREWS/ DUTCH SQUARE 2Gingers.................................................... 13 Chapala Mexican Restaurant ............24 Columbo’s................................................ 13 Delhi Palace............................................. 13 Elie’s Authentic Lebanese Cuisine.... 15

Inakaya Watanabe.................................. 14 Lizard’s Thicket......................................... 6 Loveland Coffee......................................11 Maurice’s Piggie Park............................ 10 Real Mexico.............................................. 15 Taqueria Jalisco...................................... 15 Thailand Restaurant.............................. 16

VISTA blue. ........................................................... 16 Blue Marlin............................................... 16 Carolina Ale House.................................. 6 Carolina Strip Club................................. 16 Cupcake.................................................... 12 Empire Supper Club................................ 8 Garden Bistro.......................................... 12 Gervais & Vine......................................... 16 Grill Marks................................................... 6 Jillian’s.......................................................... 6 Jonez........................................................... 8 Kaminsky’s................................................ 12 Liberty Tap Room..................................... 6 M Grille........................................................ 6 M Vista......................................................... 8 Mellow Mushroom................................ 15 Menkoi Ramen House.......................... 14 Motor Supply Co...................................... 8 Newk’s Eatery.......................................... 12 Nonnah’s................................................... 12 Old Chicago Pizza and Tap Room... 15 Oyster Bar................................................. 16 Palmetto Pig............................................ 10 Pastry Shop at Nonnah’s....................... 8 Pearlz Oyster Bar.................................... 16 Le Peep........................................................ 6 Ristorante Divino.................................... 13 SakiTumi.................................................... 14 TakoSushi.................................................. 15 Thirsty Fellow............................................ 8 Tin Lizzy’s Cantina................................. 15 Tin Roof....................................................... 8 Tsunami..................................................... 14 Village Idiot.............................................. 15 Wired Goat Café......................................11

WEST COLUMBIA/ CAYCE @116 Espresso & Wine Bar.................... 8 Al’s Upstairs.............................................. 13 Ariana’s Greek Restaurant................... 13 Café Strudel..............................................11 Compton’s Kitchen.................................. 6 Delucca’s................................................... 13 Dupre at the Market................................ 6 Egg Roll Station....................................... 12 Golden Chopstix.................................... 16 Heather’s Artisan Bakery........................ 8 John D. Hite’s.......................................... 10 Kingsman Restaurant.............................. 6 Lizard’s Thicket......................................... 6 Mai Thai..................................................... 16 My Dessert Bar........................................ 12 Spice Junction........................................ 13 Terra............................................................ 10 True BBQ....................................................11

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17

EVENTS OK, you’re in town, now where’s the action?

For comprehensive events coverage on a weekto-week basis, pick up a copy of Free Times at one of hundreds of locations throughout the city. But to get you started, we’ve compiled some of the major concerts, exhibitions and other cultural highlights of what’s happening between now and March, when the next Bites & Sights hits the streets. Dates are subject to change. For more information, please contact the specific venue or organization.

For more things to do, go to free-times.com/events.

ONGOING Julius Caesar: Roman Military Might & Machines S.C. State Museum, scmuseum.org Through May 22. This interactive exhibition features war machines, transportation machines and civil machines, recreated scaled artifacts, digital files of images, computer animations and more.

DECEMBER Ronnie McDowell & Friends Classic Country Christmas Newberry Opera House, newberryoperahouse.com Dec. 19: These artists take Christmas to a new level this year with six decades of hits and over 15 million records sold.

K. Michelle: Laughter & Lyrics Township Auditorium, thetownship.org Dec. 26. With special guests Lyfe Jennings and comedian Kountry Wayne.

Lights Before Christmas Riverbanks Zoo, riverbanks.org Through Dec. 30. With nearly 1 million twinkling lights assembled into an array of dazzling images, Lights Before Christmas is a longstanding hallmark of Columbia’s Christmas season.

NYE Celebration: A Masquerade Newberry Opera House, newberryoperahouse.com Dec. 31: Join the Dick Goodwin Big Band and a host of guest performers to welcome the New Year with music and dancing.

18 freetimes |

Famously Hot New Year Main Street, downtown Columbia Dec. 31. Outdoor street celebration that draws a diverse, all-ages crowd from all over the nation. This year features a performance from Lauryn Hill.

JANUARY Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Koger Center, kogercenterforthearts.com Jan 12-13. Family musical about the trials and triumphs of Joseph, Israel’s favorite son.

All About the Bass with Edgar Meyer Koger Center, kogercenterforthearts.com Jan 9. Masterworks concert featuring works from Kodaly, Bottesini and Mozart, plus acclaimed bluegrassjazz bassist Edgar Meyer.

Restaurant Week Columbia Various Locations, restaurantweeksouthcarolina.com Jan 7-17. An 11-day celebration of South Carolina cuisine at hundreds of participating restaurants.

Georgia O’Keeffe: Her Carolina Story Columbia Museum of Art, columbiamuseum.org Through Jan. 10. Tells the unlikely story of the iconic artist’s pivotal time at Columbia College, where she taught briefly.

Snowville!

EdVenture Children’s Museum, edventure.org Through Jan. 11. A winter playscape for children and the young at heart.

Jackson Browne Township Auditorium, thetownship.org Jan. 11. Legendary songwriter — “Running on Empty,” “These Days,” “Lawyers in Love” — performs an acoustic set.

Vince Gill Township Auditorium, thetownship.org Jan. 15. Country Music Hall of Famer, 20-time Grammy winner and twotime Male Entertainer of the Year.

Proceeds benefit the Win Anyway foundation.

Family on Safari: Winter Wonderland Riverbanks Zoo, riverbanks.org Jan 15. A night filled with winter thrills as attendees discover how animals survive during the coldest time of the year.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day events at USC sc.edu Jan 16-23. The University of South Carolina generally starts its commemoration the week before and keeps on going well into the next week with talks, musical presentations, and more.

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Presents Circus XTREME Colonial Life Arena, coloniallifearena.com Jan 21-24. Prepare to be astonished and amazed by artists who redefine the word extreme in everything they do.

World Beer Festival Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, allaboutbeer.com Jan 23: Sponsored by All About Beer magazine, the World Beer Festival is one of the premier beer events in the country, presenting hundreds of local, national and international beers.

Columbia City Ballet’s Aladdin Koger Center for the Arts, columbiacityballet.com Jan 29-30. Tells the legendary tale of the boy with a magic lamp through an original ballet performance.

Springtime at the Garden Festival Riverbanks Zoo, riverbanks.org Date TBD. Talk with gardening experts about everything from composting and cooking to pest problems and vegetable gardening.

FEBRUARY Arts and Draughts Columbia Museum of Art, columbiamuseum.org Feb. 5. Periodic art party series featuring drinks, live music and new ways to engage with art.

The Pitchforks: Duke University’s All Male A Cappella Ensemble Wood Auditorium, fineartscenter.org Feb. 5. The Pitchforks are a nationally acclaimed collegiate a cappella group, and a past winner of the SoJam Southeast Collegiate A Cappella Festival.

Family on Safari: Valentine’s Event

Widespread Panic Township Auditorium, thetownship.org Feb. 13-14. Legendary jam band Widespread Panic returns to the Township Auditorium for two nights.

Deckle Edge Literary Festival deckleedgesc.org Feb. 19-21. Inaugural festival, launched after the SC Book Festival shut down in 2015, includes a weekend of events for readers, writers and lovers of the written word.

Disney Live! Mickey and Minnie’s Doorway to Magic Colonial Life Arena, coloniallifearena.com Feb. 19. See the Fairy Godmother transform Cinderella’s rags into a beautiful ball gown in a split second; the Toy Story gang defy the dimensions of Andy’s toy box and other Disney favorites.

Elephant & Piggie’s “We Are In a Play!”

Columbia Children’s Theatre, columbiachildrenstheatre.com Feb. 19-28. A delightful new musical about best friends, based on the books by Mo Willems.

Black History Month Step Show Township Auditorium, thetownship.org Feb. 20. Hosted by Fizz of “Love & Hip Hop Hollywood” plus Neek & H-Dub from Hot 103.9.

USC Symphony Orchestra All-Beethoven Concert Koger Center, kogercenterforthearts.com Feb. 23. Israeli violinist Vadim Gluzman appears regularly with major orchestras such as the Chicago Symphony, London Philharmonic, the Chicago Symphony and others.

Winter Jam 2016

Riverbanks Zoo, riverbanks.org Feb. 5. Celebrate the ones we love the most and learn about the sweet ways animals care for one another.

Monster Jam Colonial Life Arena, coloniallifearena.com Feb. 5-6. Giant trucks named SpiderMan and Reanimator will smash stuff. People will cheer.

REMIX: Themes and Variations in African-American Art Columbia Museum of Art, columbiamuseum.org Feb. 5-May 3. Highlights the practice among many African-American artists of retelling or refashioning themes, ideas and objects in new ways and from their own unique perspective.

Carolina Makers S.C. State Museum, scmuseum.org Through Feb. 7. Celebrates local makers from South Carolina who are producing handmade objects for people all over the world.

Colonial Life Arena, coloniallifearena.com Feb. 26. Winter Jam is your chance to get an early look at some future stars from the Christian music industry

Palladium Society 2016 Chili Cook-Off Music Farm Columbia, historiccolumbia.org Feb. 27. Features a variety of chili recipes, judging by local celebrities, live music and prizes for the winners.

Harambee Festival Benedict College, benedict.edu Feb. 27. One of the largest collegesponsored festivals in the country, the Harambee Festival features the award-winning Benedict College Gospel Choir and other musical performers amid a slew of other offerings: food, dance, art, educational programs and much more.

Menopause the Musical Township Auditorium, thetownship.org Feb. 28. The show that’s brought joy to millions worldwide is proving that laughter truly is the best medicine.

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Soda City Market on Main Street PHOTO BY THOMAS HAMMOND

ATTRACTIONS C

olumbia is full of history — and historical attractions. The Articles of Secession were signed here, and Gen. Sherman occupied the city at the end of the Civil War. Even the Publix in the Vista carries a whiff of Civil War history, occupying a building that once printed Confederate currency.

But it’s not just war sites that you need to see: Statewide, South Carolina has 1,300 sites on the National Register of Historic Places.

The city has several notable historic homes,

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including the Robert Mills House & Gardens (Mills was an architect who designed the Washington Monument), the MannSimons Site (an important center of the AfricanAmerican community) and the Woodrow Wilson Family Home, the only presidential site in the state and the only museum in the country dedicated to the history of the Reconstruction era.

Columbia also has an often-overlooked civil rights history that includes three major Supreme Court rulings.

Signs along Main Street

commemorate key local events and people.

Our attractions aren’t all ancient, either. See, for example, the monument to Hootie & the Blowfish in Five Points.

Columbia’s biggest attraction of all is the Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, which draws approximately 1 million visitors per year. Opened in 1974, the zoo occupies 170 acres along the Lower Saluda River and houses some 2,000 animals in natural habitat exhibits; 70 of those acres are devoted to Riverbanks Botanical Garden, which features woodlands,

gardens, historic ruins, plant collections and a visitor facility.

Other top destinations in the city include the South Carolina State Museum (with a planetarium, observatory and 4D theater), EdVenture Children’s Museum, Congaree National Park, the Columbia Museum of Art, Three Rivers Greenway, Colonial Life Arena, the Township Auditorium and more.

For a list of upcoming events, see the calendar on page 18 or visit free-times.com/events.

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Downtown USC South Main

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olumbia’s Main Street is booming these days. The Hub at Columbia has brought a major influx of young residents to the area.

Restaurants such as the The Oak Table, Cowboy Brazilian Steakhouse, Good Life Café, Michael’s, Cantina 76 and The Epicurean by Al-Amir have given Main Street a big daytime boost. The Soda City farmers market is bustling on Saturday mornings. Columbia’s home of independent film, the Nickelodeon Theatre, is on the 1600 block of Main Street.

Drip Coffee services downtown dwellers’ caffeine addictions and provides a great meeting spot. The Whig is one of the hippest bars in town. And the Columbia Museum of Art, long the area’s cultural anchor, provides a steady stream of exhibitions and events.

Bottom line: Things are happening downtown.

Just south of the State House is a string of establishments catering largely to university types and state employees.

Among the options within a few-block radius: Turkish food; coffee; sandwiches; frozen yogurt; hot dogs; ice cream; bagels and locally brewed beers at HunterGatherer.

African-American History Monument State House grounds The backstory of this monument goes back to 1994, when state Sen. John Courson put forward a grand bargain that would link removing the Confederate Flag from the State House dome (but keeping it on State House grounds) with creating an African-American history monument. That initial proposal didn’t pass, but eventually a compromise came together. Dedicated in 2001, this 12-panel sculpture represents key aspects of the African-American experience.

Busted Plug Plaza 1400 Block of Taylor St. It’s a giant metallic fire hydrant.

What else can we say?

Columbia Museum of Art Main and Hampton streets 803-799-2810, columbiamuseum.org Exhibitions! Concerts! Beer! The museum’s traveling exhibitions span the full range of art history, while its permanent collection emphasizes European fine and decorative arts. Of course, the art is always a key draw when you’re talking about an art museum, but there are also a ton of other events happening here: the 20-something-oriented Arts & Draughts series, the acclaimed Chamber on Main series, plus lots of lectures, films and more.

Elmwood Cemetery 501 Elmwood Ave. OK, so maybe hanging out in a cemetery isn’t your idea of fun. But this cemetery is full of history — and Civil War history in particular. Established in 1854, Elmwood Cemetery covers 168 acres and includes an area dedicated to Confederate soldiers.

It was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1996.

Finlay Park 930 Laurel St., 803-545-3100 Truth be told, Finlay Park (opened in 1991) has seen better days.

Nonetheless, it can still be a good place for a walk amid the hustle of downtown. It could also get a boost soon as the city is considering major renovation plans. Also hosts occasional concerts and festivals. Located behind the Assembly Street post office.

Governor’s Mansion 800 Richland St., 803-737-1710 scgovernorsmansion.org Built in 1855 as a residence for officers of the Arsenal Military Academy, Gen. Sherman’s troops spared the building at the end of the Civil War and it became the

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official Governor’s Mansion in 1868.

Hampton-Preston Mansion 1615 Blanding St., 803-252-7742 historiccolumbia.org Built in 1818, the HamptonPreston Mansion opened for tours in 1970; its rooms reflect the Federal period to the early postbellum years.

Koger Center 1051 Greene St., 803-777-7500 koger.sc.edu The Koger Center is operated

by USC and has served as Columbia’s primary facility for the performing arts since 1989. Hosts the Broadway in Columbia series, South Carolina Philharmonic concerts, ballet performances and more. Seats just over 2,000.

Mann-Simons Cottage 1403 Richland St., 803-252-7742 historiccolumbia.org One of only a few houses in South Carolina owned by free blacks in antebellum days and preserved as a historic house museum. Celia Mann and her descendants owned the house from the mid-19th century until 1970. The house serves as the focal point for the annual Jubilee Festival.

McKissick Museum USC Horseshoe, 803-777-7251 www.cas.sc.edu/mcks Offers exhibits relating to the cultural, political and natural history of South Carolina and the southeastern United States.

Modjeska Monteith Simkins House 2025 Marion St. Built between 1890 and 1895, this one-story cottage was the home of Modjeska Simkins, a leader in South Carolina’s civil rights movement and the first woman to serve as state secretary of the state NAACP. At a time when blacks could not stay at city hotels, Simkins’ home offering a gathering space and lodging for many civil rights figures, including Thurgood Marshall.

Nickelodeon Theatre 1607 Main St., 803-254-8234 nickelodeon.org Specializing in foreign and independent films, the Nickelodeon moved into the spot of the former Fox Theatre on Main Street in 2012 and opened a second screen this year. Also presents the popular multidisciplinary Indie Grits festival.

Palmetto Trail palmettoconservation.org Conceived in 1994 as a statewide series of linked trails, the Palmetto Trail features 350 miles of completed paths thus far. In the Midlands, the Capital City Passage is an urban section of the trail going from Riverfront Park to Fort Jackson.

Randolph Cemetery Elmwood Ave. at I-26 historicrandolphcemetery.org Founded on land purchased from Elmwood Cemetery in 1872, Randolph Cemetery is the first cemetery established specifically for Columbia’s black community.

Prior to the cemetery’s founding, blacks were buried along with poor whites near the river in a potter’s field. But in 1871, 19 local black leaders came together to establish a respectable place for burial for blacks; it is named in honor of Senator Benjamin Franklin Randolph.

Riverbanks Zoo & Botanical Garden I-126 at Greystone Blvd., 803-779-8717 riverbanks.org From reptiles to birds and everything in between, Riverbanks Zoo is by far Columbia’s biggest tourism draw.

Home to more than 2,000 animals and a 70-acre botanical garden, Riverbanks also sports a zipline canopy tour, a ropes course and hosts popular annual events such as Boo at the Zoo, Brew at the Zoo and Lights Before Christmas.

Robert Mills House and Garden 1616 Blanding St., 803-252-7742 historiccolumbia.org The Robert Mills House is best known for its namesake, who also designed the Washington Monument. Open for tours, it is one of only five National Historic Landmarks in the city.

South Carolina State House Main Street at Gervais Street scstatehouse.net More than 50 years after its original inception in 1851, architect Charles C. Wilson finally completed the building, calling it “one of the most notable buildings of the world.” Others disagreed, with one legislative observer calling the dome “nothing short of a miserable fraud.” Now you can gape at the expanse of lawn where the Confederate flag flew until July of 2015. Call 803-734-2430 or visit scstatehouse.net for tour information.

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Seibels House 1601 Richland St., 803-252-7742 historiccolumbia.org Built in the late 18th century, the Seibels House now serves as the Historic Columbia Foundation office and is a popular spot for weddings. Historic Columbia was chartered in 1961 to prevent the loss of the Robert Mills House and now is involved in many aspects of historic preservation in Columbia.

Soda City Market 1500 Block of Main Street sodacitysc.com Held every Saturday morning, the Soda City market offers sustainably produced meat and produce, as well as fresh bakery items, crafts and other locally produced goods.

Sylvan Building 1500 Main St. Where’s the Sylvan Building? Just look for that old clock at the corner of Main and Hampton streets.

Built between 1868 and 1870, The Sylvan Building was the first large building constructed in Columbia after Union soldiers burned the city on Feb. 17, 1865. Now listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Township Auditorium 1703 Taylor St., thetownship.org First opened in 1930, the 3,000-plus-seat Township Auditorium has hosted such artists as Elvis Presley, Duke Ellington, Pink Floyd, The Clash and Bob Dylan. Reopened in 2010 after a $12 million facelift, the Township brings everything from R&B, country, rock and EDM acts to wrestling, comedy and dance.

Trinity Episcopal Cathedral & Cemetery 1100 Sumter St. Originally dedicated in 1814, Trinity Episcopal grew into a new building in 1847, one designed

by Edward Brickell White and modeled after York Cathedral in England. Today, it’s one of the 20 largest Episcopal churches in the country. Former U.S. Supreme Court Justice James F. Byrnes and six governors are buried in its cemetery.

Tunnelvision Taylor and Marion streets A 1975 wall mural of a road running through a tunnel, Tunnelvision is an iconic piece of local public art. Don’t drive by this thing when you’re stoned unless you feel like totaling your car.

Tapp’s Arts Center

USC Horseshoe

644 Main St., 803-988-0013 tappsartscenter.com Tapp’s Arts Center officially opened in 2011 and has become a focal point of Main Street’s art scene. Presents visual arts exhibitions and offers artist studios. Also hosts a range of concerts, comedy shows, film screenings and other arts-related events and is available for rentals.

900 Block of Sumter St., 803-777-8161 Little do most of the frolicking young college students on the gorgeous USC Horseshoe know — or care, probably — that Robert Mills, the nation’s first federal architect, designed several buildings there, as well as the Maxcy Monument, named for the first president of the college, Jonathan Maxcy.

Town Theatre 1012 Sumter St., 803-799-2510 towntheatre.com Built in 1924, Town Theatre is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and is the oldest continuously operating community theater building in the country; presents family-friendly musicals and other productions.

Three Rivers Greenway riveralliance.org, 803-765-2200 Designated in 2013 as a National Recreation Trail, the Three Rivers Greenway provides several miles of linked river access in Columbia, Cayce and West Columbia. The completed Cayce and West Columbia portions of the Greenway are already popular for walking and running, and the West Columbia Riverwalk Amphitheatre hosts outdoor concerts and more.

Woodrow Wilson Family Home 1705 Hampton St., 803-252-7742 woodrowwilsonhome.com The Wilson family moved to Columbia in 1870, moved into the home in 1872 and left two years later following a dispute between Wilson’s father and the Presbyterian Theological Seminary where he taught. After years of renovations, the home re-opened in February of 2014, focusing on Reconstruction-era history.

Paths of De stru c ti o n Sher man’s Final Campaign See a life-size diorama of Columbia in flames, excavated relics, weapons, interactives and much more on display now!

SC Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum www.crr.sc.gov

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803-737-8095

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Vista Riverfront State Street Vista West

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his converted warehouse district is largely known for its many dining and nightlife options and art galleries, but it also sports some key attractions such as the Colonial Life Arena, EdVenture

Children’s Museum

and the South Carolina State Museum, as well as a theater and a grocery store (converted from a former Confederate printing plant). Home to such popular annual events as Vista Lights (a holiday season kick-off party), Artista Vista (a three-day gallery crawl in the spring) and Art Bar Agora, the Vista also has an increasing number of residential options.

On the third Thursday of every month, the area also holds the Vista Nights art crawl.

Just across the Gervais Street bridge sits an eclectic mix of nightspots, galleries, gift shops, restaurants and antique shops, many of them on State Street in West Columbia.

Adluh Flour Mill 804 Gervais St., 800-692-3584 adluh.com The neon Adluh Flour sign in the heart of the Vista points to a cultural icon of Columbia.

Founded in 1900, Adluh is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Flour and cornmeal products sold on-site.

The Big Apple 1000 Hampton St., 803-252-7742 historiccolumbia.org A debate still rages as to whether the phrase “The Big Apple” came to New York City from jazz or from horse racing (a 1930s N.Y.C. sports column was called “Around the Big Apple”). For Columbia’s sake, let’s go with the jazz theory: Once a local synagogue, The Big Apple later was turned into a juke joint

Adluh Flour Mill

Adluh Flour Mill

FILE PHOTO

where, in 1936, blacks invented a new dance, the Big Apple. Now popular for weddings, receptions and dance events.

EdVenture Children’s Museum FILE PHOTO

Colonial Life Arena 801 Lincoln St. Charge by phone: 1-877-489-2849 General Info: 803-576-9200 coloniallifearena.com The 18,000-seat Colonial Center is the largest arena in South Carolina, hosting major concert and entertainment acts and serving as the home for USC men’s and women’s basketball.

Columbia Marionette Theater 401 Laurel St., 803-252-7366 cmtpuppet.org Located near Riverfront Park, the Columbia Marionette Theater was founded in 1988 and presents children’s productions ranging from traditional fairy tales to educational shows. In 2009, founder Allie Scollon received a top national puppetry award.

EdVenture Children’s Museum 211 Gervais St., 803-779-3100 edventure.org The South’s largest children’s museum, with more than 70,000 square feet of cool stuff to keep the kids occupied.

Riverfront Park Laurel at Huger Street, 803-545-3100, columbiasc.net Separating the Historic Columbia Canal and the Congaree River, Riverfront Park is a popular jogging and walking trail encompassing 167 acres just west of Huger Street. Currently closed

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due to canal repairs following the October 2015 flood.

South Carolina State Confederate Relic Room & Museum 301 Gervais St., 803-737-8095 www.crr.sc.gov The Confederate Relic Room actually has much more than Civil War memorabilia, with artifacts dating from the Revolutionary War to World War II. Located in the former mill that also houses the South Carolina State Museum.

South Carolina State Museum 301 Gervais St., 803-898-4921 southcarolinastatemuseum.org The State Museum opened a major expansion space in 2014 featuring an observatory, planetarium and 4D theater. Housed in the historic Columbia Mill building (built in 1893), the South Carolina State Museum has permanent

and rotating exhibitions covering South Carolina’s cultural history, natural history, science, technology and art. The museum also brings in non-South Carolina-related blockbuster exhibitions.

Three Rivers Greenway riveralliance.org, 803-765-2200 The completed portions of the Greenway are popular for walking and running, and the West Columbia Riverwalk Amphitheatre hosts outdoor concerts and more.

Trustus Theatre 520 Lady St., 803-254-9732 trustus.org A popular and well established theater in the Vista, Trustus offers contemporary works alongside popular musicals and mainstream plays.

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Five Points Rosewood Olympia Southeast

Shops on Devine FILE PHOTO

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ive Points is a college student’s playground, but it’s also much more. Home to the annual St. Pat’s festival — which draws thousands of music fans and partiers every year — Five Points offers an eclectic mix of shops, restaurants and bars where you’ll find everything from coffee, hip clothes, books and records to deli sandwiches, burritos, ice cream and more.

And with the coveted tree-lined bungalows of Shandon just up the street, Five Points and Devine Street also have options for the postcollege crowd, including numerous locally owned clothing stores and other retail spots.

Not far away in Rosewood, you’ll find a burgeoning residential and retail area anchored

by Publix and sprinkled with eclectic spots to grab a drink such as the Kraken, Cock ‘N’ Bull Pub and Rockaway Athletic Club. Rosewood has its own signature events, too, among them the Rosewood Crawfish Festival and the

Palmetto Tasty Tomato Festival.

Over in the historic mill village of Olympia, you’ll find a dynamic community space at 701 Whaley — which houses the 701 Center for Contemporary Art and hosts numerous local events — and Carolina Stadium, home of the Gamecock baseball team.

Olympia’s big annual events are Olympia Fest and the Quarry Crusher Run.

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701 Center for Contemporary Art 701 Whaley St., 803-779-4571 701cca.org Opened in the fall of 2008, the 701 Center for Contemporary Art is an integral part of the local arts scene, hosting cutting-edge visual arts exhibitions, artist talks and more.

Carolina Stadium 431 Williams St. University spokespeople will tell you that USC’s baseball stadium (which opened in 2009) is located in the Innovista district, but locals know the area as Olympia.

Regardless of where you place it, the 9,000-seat baseball stadium is a bang-up place to watch the Gamecocks. Recently named the best college baseball stadium in America.

City Roots 1005 Airport Blvd., 254-2302 cityroots.org In the heart of lower Rosewood, City Roots is a working urban farm, with classes, volunteer opportunities, parties and other events. Visit the chickens, feel the warm compost, check out the tilapia pond and the two greenhouses, pick some strawberries — it’s all educational, and the produce is delicious.

Congaree National Park nps.gov/cong, 803-776-4396 No, Congaree National Park is not in Rosewood, but if you head out Rosewood Drive to Bluff Road and keep going for 18 miles, you’re

there. This 22,000-acre park boasts the largest old-growth, floodplain forest on the continent.

It’s also an International Biosphere Reserve, a Globally Important Bird Area and a National Natural Landmark. Activities include hiking, boating, camping, canoeing, fishing, kayaking, nature walks and more. Located in Hopkins, 18 miles southeast of Columbia (S.C. 48 from Bluff Rd. or exit 5 off I-77).

Five Points Fountain

Shops on Devine Just up the hill from Five Points on Devine Street are a string of highquality, locally ≥owned shops.

From craft beer at Craft & Draft to ultra-cool furniture at Bohemian Home and high-end fashion at Pout and Brittons, Devine Street merchants specialize in some of the most unique and eclectic offerings in the city.

South Carolina Military Museum

Harden Street and Saluda Avenue The Five Points Fountain is a nice place to hang out with your coffee or lunch; it’s also ground zero for numerous events, including the Five Points After Five concert series, which presents local and regional bands on an outdoor stage.

1225 Bluff Road, 803-806-4440 scmilitarymuseum.com Dedicated to honoring South Carolina’s National Guard and its citizen soldiers throughout history, from the late 17th century to the wars of the 21st century.

Five Points Retail

1125 George Rogers Blvd., 803-777-4271 uscsports.cstv.com Situated close to both Rosewood and Olympia, Williams-Brice Stadium is party central during football season, with fans spilling into both Five Points and the Vista after games. Since being built in 1934, Williams-Brice has served as the site of lots of drunken football revelry, as well as hosting Pope John Paul II, the Rolling Stones, U2, Kenny Chesney and then-U.S. Sen. Barack Obama during his 2008 presidential campaign.

Five Points is for strolling, dining and shopping. Retail options are wide, encompassing everything from unique gifts at Portfolio Art Gallery or Finleaf Gallery to hip clothing at Sid and Nancy and skateboards at BlueTile. When night falls, there are plenty of places to get your groove on, too (see Nightlife).

Hootie Monument Remember that band with the song “Hold My Hand” that came out in the mid-’90s and sold an ungodly number of records?

Those guys were from Columbia.

Head to Santee Avenue, look at the big metal sculpture and read all about the many musical exploits of Hootie & The Blowfish.

Williams-Brice Stadium

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Northeast Forest Acres Fort Jackson Blythewood Camden

Lake Murray Lexington Harbison Irmo West Columbia Cayce

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ome to the wonderful Sesquicentennial State Park, the Northeast also sports the 600-acre Sandhill Research and Education Center, the annual Sparkleberry Country Fair, the enormous Village at Sandhill retail complex (and in it, the popular Plex Indoor Sports), the expansive Lake Carolina residential development, several golf courses and farmers markets, and top-notch schools that keep residents coming.

Just a few miles away in Camden is the Historic Camden Revolutionary War Site, which commemorates the 1780 Battle of Camden.

Camden Archives & Museum cityofcamden.org 1314 Broad St., 803-425-6050 Offers genealogical research facilities and maintains a diverse collection to aid visitors in their research. Collects material pertaining to the north-central section of South Carolina formerly recognized as the old Camden District.

Columbia Children’s Theatre 3400 Forest Dr., 803-691-4548 columbiachildrenstheatre.com A nonprofit, professional theater offering educational and entertainment opportunities to children and families.

Fine Arts Center of Kershaw County 810 Lyttleton St., Camden, 803-425-7676 fineartscenter.org Presents community-oriented theater, music, dance and exhibitions, as well as the annual Carolina Downhome Blues Festival.

Sesquicentennial State Park COURTESY PHOTO

Goodale State Park 650 Park Rd. (Camden), 803-432-2772 southcarolinaparks.com Cypress trees, a pond, fishing, picnic spots, kayaking and canoeing all make this a popular spot to visit.

Historic Camden Revolutionary War Site historic-camden.net We’ll spare you the suspense: The Americans got their asses handed to them at the 1780 Battle of Camden. Some 233 years later, though, we’re over it. Hosts a Battle of Camden Remembrance Day each August, Revolutionary War Field Days each November and other events throughout the year.

advised to stay on designated trails.

Sesquicentennial State Park 9564 Two Notch Rd., 803-788-2706 southcarolinaparks.com This 1,419-acre park features a 30-acre lake surrounded by trails, picnic areas and campsites. Also offers boating, fishing, swimming, meeting facilities and trails. Trails include a 6.1-mile mountain bike trail, a 1.9-mile nature trail, and a 3.5-mile walking and jogging trail. Located 13 miles northeast of Columbia on Two Notch Road.

South Carolina Railroad Museum

Winnsboro, 803-482-6401 southcarolinaparks.com Hosts fishing tournaments and offers a publicly accessible boat ramp, tackle shop and refueling dock.

110 Industrial Park Rd. (Winnsboro), 803-712-4135, scrm.org Everybody loves trains, right? Take an hour-long ride, stroll through historic train cars and check out the hats, whistles and other train paraphernalia in the gift shop.

Pearl Fryar Topiary Garden

U.S. Army Basic Combat Training Museum

Lake Wateree

145 Broad Acres Rd. (Bishopville) pearlfryar.com A true South Carolina icon, Pearl Fryar has made his incredible topiary garden his life’s work — and invited the public to see it.

Sandhills Farmers Market 900 Clemson Rd., 803-788-5700 sandhillsfarmersmarket.com Open each Tuesday from 2 to 7 p.m. through Nov. 25. Farmers from around the region bring fresh local produce, meat, fish, eggs, butter, milk, cheese, honey, plants, flowers, shrubs and baked goods. Across from the Village at Sandhill.

Sandhill Research and Education Center 900 Clemson Road, 803-788-5700 Agricultural research facility and nature preserve on 600 acres.

Wildlife is abundant; guests are

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4442 Jackson Blvd., 803-751-7419 jackson.armylive.dodlive.mil/post/ museum Commemorates Fort Jackson’s prominent role in training American soldiers by acquiring and exhibiting artifacts dating to the fort’s founding in 1917. Public access is limited; call ahead for details.

Village at Sandhill 481 Town Center Pl., 803-419-0235 villageatsandhill.com Located off I-20 (Exit 80, Clemson Road), the Village at Sandhill is a testament to the growth of Columbia’s Northeast region. Primarily a massive retail development, the Village at Sandhill also boasts a movie theater, numerous dining options and community events, including outdoor concerts.

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or visitors to the area, the key draw in this part of town is Lake Murray, a 50,000-acre man-made lake with 650 miles of shoreline.

Lake Murray offers a wide range of seasonal recreation options — including sailing, fishing (especially striped bass), camping and hiking — and a huge Fourth of July fireworks display (held the Saturday before the holiday). Public access is limited to the few parks and marinas scattered around the lake, so keep that in mind as you make your plans.

There’s more to the area than the lake, however.

Among your options: Saluda Shoals Park, which features a wetlands preserve; Harbison State Forest, a great place to bike; and Seven Oaks Park, with a full-service recreation complex.

If you’re looking for cultural offerings, among your options are the Lake Murray

Symphony Orchestra and the Chapin Theatre Company, which has been serving the area for more than 25 years.

For Columbians from all areas of town, the

Columbiana Centre Mall and its surrounding big-name retailers make it a necessary stop. Good schools and neighborhoods round out the package for residents.

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Cayce Tennis and Fitness Center 1120 Fort Congaree Tr., 803-227-3030 cayce.lexingtoncountytennis.com A massive and well-kept modern tennis complex hosting tournaments and offering yearround lessons. Also has a gym.

Chapin Theatre Company PO Box 360, Chapin, 803-240-8544 chapintheatre.org What originated informally in the late ‘70s as a few friends staging no-frills plays has become a staple of Lexington County’s cultural life.

Shows at Harbison Theatre.

Congaree Creek Earthworks Monument Situated along the Timmerman Trail portion of the Cayce Riverwalk, this monument marks the site of earthworks built during the Civil War by more than 750 enslaved blacks. Parking at Cayce Fitness and Tennis Center.

Congaree Riverwalk riveralliance.org, 803-765-2200 We’re still waiting for Columbia to finish its portion of the Three Rivers Greenway, but most of the Lexington County sections are already done. The completed Cayce and West Columbia portions of the Greenway are popular for walking and running, and the West Columbia Riverwalk Amphitheatre hosts outdoor concerts and more.

Crooked Creek Park 1098 Old Lexington Highway (Chapin), 345-6181, icrc.net “Crooked Creek” makes this park sound like it’s a dirt path next to a trickle of water. Actually, it’s got a 53,000-square-foot community center with a full gym and racquetball courts, along with tennis courts, athletics fields, picnic areas and walking trails.

Dreher Island State Recreation Area 3677 State Park Rd., Exit 91 off I-26, 803-364-4152 southcarolinaparks.com Located 30 miles northwest of Columbia in Prosperity, the Dreher Island recreation area consists of three islands encompassing 12 miles of shoreline on Lake Murray. Especially popular for fishing and boating (Lake Murray is a top destination for striped and largemouth bass), Dreher Island also offers lakefront camping, cabin and villa rentals, water skiing and picnicking.

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Gibson Pond COURTESY PHOTO

First Responders Wall of Remembrance lexingtonsc.org/attractions Dedicated in 2008, this memorial to 9/11 was made from steel from Ground Zero in New York City.

Frankie’s Fun Park 140 Parkridge Dr., 803-781-2342 frankiesfunpark.com Kids’ stuff? Hardly. This Harbisonarea entertainment center packs three go-kart tracks, three 18hole mini-golf courses, batting cages, bumper boats, an arcade, a 5,000-square foot multi-tiered laser tag arena and an super-tall drop zone that says “In your face, gravity!” into 14 acres filled with fun for all ages. What, do you hate fun or something?

Gibson Pond 241 Gibson Rd., 803-359-1027 scgreatoutdoors.com These 15 acres in the Town of Lexington offer walking trails, kayaking, picnic tables and a scenic overlook.

Harbison State Forest state.sc.us/forest/refharb.htm 803-896-8890 If you didn’t know it was there, you’d never expect to find 2,177 acres of forest along the sprawling mess that is Broad River Road.

But there it is — one of the largest public green spaces inside the city limits of a metropolitan area in the eastern United States. Features more than 16 miles of roads and trails (popular for biking) and a canoe landing.

Harbison Theatre 7300 College St., Irmo Info: 803-407-5003, Tickets: 803-407-5011 harbisontheatre.org The 400-seat Harbison Theatre at Midlands Technical College presents a high-quality and eclectic array of performing arts events that diversify Midlands Tech’s offerings and strengthen its relationship with the local community. Also serves as a rental facility for local arts organizations.

Lake Murray lakemurraycountry.com, lakemurray.com Located a few miles northwest of downtown Columbia, Lake Murray is a 50,000-acre lake offering boating, camping and other recreational activities. Lakemurraycountry.com lists public access points, as well as marinas and landing spots. Good striped bass fishing during the season.

Lake Murray Symphony Orchestra lmso.org Think there’s no culture when you get outside downtown? Think again. Led by artistic director Einar Anderson, the Lake Murray Symphony Orchestra was conceived in 2001 and held its first concert in 2004.

Lexington County Museum U.S. Highway 378 and Fox St. Lexington, 803-359-8369 facebook.comlexingtoncountymuseum Founded in 1970, the museum complex encompasses seven acres and features 36 historic structures focusing on the early history of Lexington County, from 1770 until the Civil War.

Peachtree Rock Nature Preserve scgreatoutdoors.com/ park-peachtree.html, 803-254-9046 Sadly, the geological wonder known as Peachtree Rock — a triangularshaped top-heavy sandstone formation that had stood on its pointed base for millions of years — fell in December of 2013, likely due to rain and years of vandalism.

The good news? You can see the formation lying on its side, as well as Little Peachtree Rock and the rest of this beautiful 460-acre preserve, which has the only waterfall in the coastal plain. Located off S.C. 6 in southern Lexington County near Swansea.

Riverbanks Zoo & Botanical Garden riverbanks.org If you live downtown, you’ll likely enter the zoo from its Greystone Blvd. entrance off I-26. But if you live west of the Congaree River, you can enter from Sunset Boulevard (Highway 378) in West Columbia. This entrance will take you right to the zoo’s beautiful 70acre botanical garden.

Saluda Shoals Park icrc.net, 803-731-5208, 213-2050 (weekend) Situated on 270 acres downstream from the Lake Murray Dam, Saluda Shoals features a popular water park, an environmental education center, canoe trips, nature hikes, biking trails, fishing spots, picnic shelters, art exhibits, summer camps, health and wellness programs, meeting facilities and more. Good trout fishing if you like to wade.

Seven Oaks Park 200 Leisure Ln., 803-772-3336 icrc.net Built in 1973 and located in the St. Andrews area, Seven Oaks Park is a full-service recreation complex offering fitness, athletics and cultural arts programs. Features a dance studio, art gallery, picnic areas, tennis courts, walking trails and more.

State Farmers Market Exit 115 off I-26 scstatefarmersmarket.com Relocated to Lexington County from Richland in 2010, the South Carolina State Farmers Market has a lot more space than it used to — space for vendors, shoppers and parking. Open Mon-Sat 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sun noon to 6 p.m.

Village Square Theatre 105 Caughman Rd., Lexington, 803-359-1436, villagesquaretheatre.com Community theater from the Lexington County Arts Association.

PLAY&STAY | freetimes 25 ATTRACTIONS

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o you’ve worked your way through all the daytime attractions and restaurants that you can handle — what now?

Drinking, of course. And Columbia’s got you covered in pretty much every regard. Whether it be a laid-back spot to catch the game, a swank watering hole where the bartenders mix up invigorating cocktails or a hip place to dance, this famously hot town counters its climate with a bevy of options to quench your thirst. See free-times.com for more nightlife listings and coverage.

Downtown/ Main Street/ South Main/ USC/North Main Bourbon 1214 Main St., 803-403-1404 bourboncolumbia.com Go for the bourbon, stay for the whiskey. Serves higher-end CajunCreole cuisine along with a diverse selection of classy cocktails.

Hunter-Gatherer 900 Main St., 803-748-0540 huntergathererbrewery.com More than a longstanding spot for local brews, H-G boasts awesome bartenders, scrumptious entrées and an excellent liquor selection.

Sheraton Rooftop Lounge 1400 Main St., 803-988-1400 Not for the acrophobic, the Sheraton’s hip Rooftop Lounge boasts a classy clientele, fine libations and desserts, plus a beautiful view of the Capital City.

Sheraton Vault Martini Bar 1400 Main St., 803-988-1400 Nestled within the bank’s original safe, the Vault Martini Bar is a popular hotspot for those who insist upon their martinis stirred, not shaken, and with a twist of sophistication.

The Vino Garage 2327 Main St., 803-834-3392 This Earlewood wine and beer shop also hosts a lot of tastings of hard-to-come-by wines and beers.

The Whig 1200 Main St., 803-931-8852 thewhig.org The Whig used to be Columbia’s cool-kids-only bar, but its affordable pint night and cheaptaco Tuesdays have broadened its clientele to Greeks and Main Street urban professionals. Still has that rad jukebox.

The Vista Art Bar 1211 Park St.,803- 929-0198 artbarsc.com Art Bar’s been around for more than 21 years now, but it still hasn’t grown up: It’s still the same eclectic, non-corporate nightspot it’s always been. Cool but never pretentious.

Empire Supper Club

Kelly’s

920 Lady St., 803-638-4942 empire-sc.com Party like it’s 1928 and you’re not about to lose all your money in the stock crash. Restaurant and bar features staff decked out in their best flapper-and-gangster gear, and period-appropriate entertainment.

1001 Washington St., 803-254-4464 If this converted fire station reminds you of Five Points, it’s probably because its owners cut their teeth working for places like Group Therapy and Jungle Jim’s.

These Gamecock fans host regular acoustic performances in addition to karaoke and open mic contests.

Flying Saucer 931 Senate St., 803-933-9997 beerknurd.com If you love beer, you’ve been to Flying Saucer. (You’re probably already a Beer Knurd, too.) If you love beer but haven’t been to Flying Saucer, you’re missing out on a hundreds-deep beer list stocked with beers you’ve never heard of, and beers you’ve only heard about in legend.

Gervais & Vine 620A Gervais St., 803-799-8463 gervine.com Gervais & Vine offers a sophisticated yet approachable atmosphere for its exquisite Southern fusion tapas. Its extensive wine selection separates it from most of Columbia’s metropolitan haunts, and the diversity and daring of the menu make it hard to dislike.

Jillian’s

721A Lady St., 803-251-4447 blueinthevista.org Blue, a tapas bar and cocktail lounge, features Columbia’s only ice bar. Cozy late-night spot as well.

800 Gervais St., 803-779-7789 jillianscolumbia.com Games! TVs! Food! Beer! Housed in the historic Train Depot Building built in 1860, Jillian’s has been serving up entertainment in the heart of the Vista since 1997. Offers an arcade, billiard tables, and walls of huge flat-screen televisions, as well as an extensive list of imports, domestics, cocktails and libations.

Also presents live music and entertainment.

Capital Club

Jonez

Blue.

1002 Gervais St., 803-256-6464 The oldest gay bar in the state is a private club that’s also welcoming to people of other stripes.

Carolina Ale House 708 Lady St., 803-227-7150 carolinaalehouse.com Southeastern grille-and-grog chain offers good eats, a good beer selection and plenty of televised sports. Features the Vista’s hottest rooftop bar and plenty of fun drink specials.

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1004 Gervais St., 803-834-4434 jonezcolumbia.com Promises “a celebration of soul in an exquisite atmosphere,” with smooth drinks and soothing music.

Kaminsky’s 930 Gervais St., 803-550-9979 kaminskys.com Popular Charleston dessert bar arrives in Columbia complete with multiple sweet martinis, alcoholic milkshakes and coffee drinks — all available late into the night.

Liberty Tap Room 828 Gervais St., 803-461-4677 libertytaproom.com Whether you’re after a nice meal or just a tasty drink, you’ll find much to enjoy here consider the muchacclaimed menu and massive beer list, which offers 75 tap and bottle varieties to choose from.

Music Farm 1022A Senate St., 803-471-2779 Charleston’s famed music venue has a sister venue in Columbia, bringing the city a sorely needed large-scale rock club, a home for a diverse array of trendy touring acts.

The Oyster Bar 1123 Park St., 803-799-4484 oysterbarcolumbia.com Serves up Gulf oysters, steamed and raw. The dressed-down atmosphere, excellent service and better-than-average beer selection will keep you coming back. Best of all? They shuck, you eat.

Pearlz 936 Gervais St., 803-661-7741 pearlzoysterbar.com Pearlz specializes in all oysters, but its hip ambience and signature martinis also make it a hotspot for Columbia’s young, urban professional crowd. Plus, its upstairs lounge is a hotbed for local jazz.

PT’s 1109 1109 Assembly St., 803-253-8900 You could live your whole life in Columbia and not know this gay bar exists, and, frankly, its regulars probably wouldn’t mind all that much. Conversely, this haunt is a treasure to the folks who frequent it.

SakiTumi 807 Gervais St., 803-931-0700 sakifresh.com Don’t miss this hip sushi bar just because it’s down an alley.

Its signature cocktails feature muddled mint leaves, cucumbers, blueberries and more. Four flatscreen TVs. too.

free-times.com/restaurants

Social 918 Gervais St., 803-603-4313 socialcolumbiasc.com A hot Vista night spot, Social gets weird on the weekends, hosting paint parties, ice parties, inflatable wonderland parties, foam parties and all manner of events at which to get turnt — soundtracking it with some nationally respected EDM talents.

Thirsty Fellow 621 Gadsden St., 803-799-1311 thirstyfellow.com Super-popular spot serving up eclectic, delicious pizzas (and much more) and offering a full bar.

Tin Roof 1022 Senate St., 803-771-1558 tinroof.com A favorite bar for everyone from USC students to young professionals. Its calling cards: live music, good food and a laid-back atmosphere. Open for lunch, happy hour, dinner and into the night.

Tsunami 700-C Gervais St., 803-312-9911 tsunamicompany.com Tsunami’s elegant, contemporary atmosphere and ample seating area complement its extensive sake, wine and beer selection.

Uncle Fester’s 522 Devine St., 803-748-9897 While most of the Soda City’s bars are closing up shop on Sunday morning, this watering hole between Palmetto Pig and Todd & Moore keeps the party going.

Always packed with a diverse clientele.

Uncle Louie’s 1125 Park St., 803-933-9833 Its no-frills, no-nonsense attitude has endeared this unassuming watering hole to a loyal legion of regulars, but there’s always room for more.

Wet Willie’s 800 Gervais St., 803-779-5650 wetwillies.com How can you not love a bar that specializes in frozen daiquiris with names ranging from Strawberry and Mango to White Russian, Weak Willie and Shock Treatment?

Wild Wing Café 729 Lady St., 803-252-9464 wildwingcafe.com Sure, Wild Wing Café has sandwiches, salads and soup, but the obvious draw is its 33 flavors of wings. If you can’t decide on one, get the sampler platter. Also boasts a ton of TVs, a party atmosphere and a steady stream of regional rock bands.

free-times.com/restaurants

Music Farm FILE PHOTO

The Woody

The Bird Dog

Cock N Bull Pub

808 Lady St., 803-779-9663 Who hangs out at The Woody?

Well — everyone. Whether you want to show off your shag skills, or try out the whip and the naenae, it’s the place to be.

715 Harden St., 803-799-0611 It’s called The Bird Dog, ostensibly, because hanging on its walls, right next to mounted deer heads, are soft-hued paintings of hunting dogs staring pensively — tentatively, even, waiting for their prey to emerge — into wooded lakes. If that sounds like the setup for a Southern bar, well, it is: Drinks, often cheap and big, are served in Mason jars.

326 S. Edisto Ave., 803-251-4474 As British as you’ll get in Rosewood. Popular and laid-back, this neighborhood favorite has a small but stellar beer menu, and lots of soccer on TV.

World of Beer 902F Gervais St., 803-509-6020 worldofbeer.com Lagers and porters and stouts (and pales and ales and bocks), oh my!

World of Beer offers more than 500 beers, stocking something for aficionados and neophytes alike. Wine and cigars, too, plus live music on the weekends. The suds bring the masses in, but the living-room atmosphere keeps ‘em coming back.

Breakers 801 Harden St., 803-771-6360 breakersbarandgrill.com Outdoor patio offers an ideal Five Points people-watching spot.

Carolina Pour House

Five Points/Devine Street/Rosewood/ Olympia

800 Harden St., 803-932-3033 Next to the always overflowing Group Therapy, The Pour House has a good drink selection at prices that won’t send you to the poor house.

The Attic

CJ’s

638 Harden St. 521-0046 Located above Pinch on Harden St. Five Points’ only rooftop bar with over 25 craft beers.

749 Saluda Ave., 803-748-8694 Its retractable exterior wall opens to reveal the Five Points fountain plaza, thus making CJ’s a great spot for taking in this colorful corner of Columbia.

Bar None 620 Harden St., 803-254-3354 Open from happy hour until sunrise, Bar None is the last refuge of the late-night lush and the service industry worker. Try the smoked wings, when they’re available.

The Cotton Gin 632 Harden St., 803-569-6966 In the space once occupied by Red Hot Tomatoes, this bar’s mission is “celebrating the Roaring ‘20s in style.”

Cover 3 711 Harden St., 803-533-7030 The Cover 3 is a defensive scheme in football with three deep coverage zones covered by two cornerbacks and one safety. It’s also a bar in Five Points.

Craft and Draft 2706 Devine St., 803-764-2575 craftanddraftbeer.com Craft beer is booming, and Craft and Draft is on it. Grab a six-pack, pick up a growler or take a seat at the bar.

Delaney’s 741 Saluda Ave., 803-779-2345 Delaney’s is as Irish as it comes here in the Bible Belt. Of course it has Guinness, but it also has quite an assortment of classy imports and plenty of good ol’ Irish grub.

Wicked friendly staff, live music and a vibrant atmosphere round out the package — but get there

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Publico Kitchen & Tap 2013 Greene St., 803-661-9043 publicokitchenandtap.com A diverse array of gourmet tacos highlights the food menu at this intentionally hip new hangout that also boasts an expansive tap selection.

Rockaway Athletic Club 2719 Rosewood Dr., 803-256-1075 Exquisite burgers, low-key atmosphere and a nice, amply stocked bar. Plus, lots of sports on TV and a corner nook with arcade games.

Salty Nut Cafe 2000 Greene St., 803-256-4611 saltynut.com Varied menu includes everything from hearty salads to tasty cheeseburgers. Comfortable setting … so comfortable, in fact, that you can throw your peanut shells on the floor.

Speakeasy

Social FILE PHOTO

early, as it fills up fast, especially on pint nights.

Foxfield Bar & Grille 406 Howard St., 803-728-0420 Cozy Rosewood neighborhood spot offers a reliable selection of beers and spirits at affordable prices, plus frequent live music.

Group Therapy 2107 Greene St., 803-256-1203 grouptherapybar.com Columbia’s quintessential college bar, with cheap drinks, loud music and an outdoor oasis to escape the crowd. Group wrote the book on college partying in Columbia.

Henry’s 2865 Devine St., 803-708-4705 henrysgrillandbar.com Henry’s champions the traditional neighborhood bar — and, equally importantly, brings terrific bar food. Comfortable and classy.

The Hookah Spot 617 Harden St., 803-661-8337 hookah-spot.com Grab a couch, sidle up to a hookah and get your smoke on.

Jake’s 2112 Devine St., 803-252-5253 jakesofcolumbia.com Friendly Five Points institution with craft beer, live music, televised sports, multiple bar stations and locally sourced food.

The Kraken Gastropub 2910 Rosewood Dr., 803-955-7408 The Kraken has a great draft beer selection and signature beer-based cocktails along with a swanky menu and cozy-cool vibe.

Latitude 22 636 Harden St. facebook.com/lattitude22colasc Upscale nautical theme with daily drink specials and breezy good times.

Lucky’s 2100 Devine St., 803-929-1118 For the Vista experience in Five Points, Lucky’s is your place — good wine and beer selection and an outdoor patio.

Moosehead Saloon 2020 Devine St., 803-708-4984 Rock meets Western atmosphere.

Drink specials.

Nicky’s Pizza 2123 Greene St., 803-748-9661 Need a slice to fuel another late night in Five Points? Drop by Nicky’s. Grab a beer while you’re there, too.

Nightcaps 2722 Devine St., 803-771-6575 An out-of-the-way place with respect to Five Points, Nightcaps has a pool table, a big-screen television, comfy lounge chairs and a good late-night atmosphere.

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A popular haven for those not ready to let the night end.

Pavlov’s 2000B Greene St. pavlovsofcolumbia.com Tucked behind the Salty Nut, Pavlov’s is a long-time stomping ground of college revelers and serves as hallowed ground for many in the fraternity and sorority circles.

Pawleys Front Porch 827 Harden St., 803-771-8001 pawleysfrontporch.com Featured on the Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, Pawley’s is primarily known for its behemoth and fantastic specialty burgers, but it also caters to a late-night crowd on weekends.

Especially good for game days, as it shows football games on its huge screen on its even huger deck.

Pinch 640 Harden St., 803-708-6838 Pinch offers Vista atmosphere at Five Points prices. On-tap beers are rotated frequently, and frequently feature high-class offerings.

Publick House 2307 Devine St., 803-256-2207 Exceptional beer selection, challenging trivia, hip music selection, über-friendly staff, good burgers and the best raw fries around.

711 Saluda Ave., 803-255-0869 delaneysspeakeasy.com Home to live jazz several nights of the week, Delaney’s classy, hip younger sibling also boasts a fine liquor selection, great beers and a top-notch staff, as well as fine cigars and comfy leather couches.

Also hosts the Science Café series.

The Thirsty Parrot 734 Harden St., 803-708-4768 Like Jimmy Buffett? You’ll most likely dig this place, which offers fine burgers and spirits in an easygoing atmosphere.

TLC Sports Bar and Grill 936 S. Stadium Rd., 803-251-3087 This ultimate Gamecock bar is located within a stone’s throw of Williams-Brice.

Village Idiot 2009 Devine St., 803-252-8646 villageidiotpizza.com Columbia’s quintessential college-town pizza joint in a pub atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to enjoy delicious fare, cold beer, wallet-friendly weekly specials and a heaping helping of revelry.

Serving New York-style pizza since 1990. Dine in, pickup or delivery, and menu also features salads, sandwiches and wings.

Yesterdays Restaurant and Tavern 2030 Devine St., 803-799-0196 yesterdayssc.com A great place for an undergrad to take his or her squeeze out for dinner without maxing out the credit card. Good food, aboveaverage beer and liquor selection.

Bar in the back has its own entrance on Devine Street. A veritable Columbia landmark since 1978.

free-times.com/restaurants

State Street/ Vista West/ West Columbia/ Cayce

Northeast/Forest Acres/Fort Jackson/ Blythewood/ Camden

@116 Espresso & Wine Bar

Ale House Lounge

116 State St., 803-791-5663 116state.com A coffee shop that serves gourmet food and booze? Be still our beating hearts! Dig those specialty cocktails; also serves an extensive assortment of wines. Small, but cozy. A good date spot.

Calloway’s Bar & Grill 2410 Augusta Rd., 803-926-1199 callowaysbarandgrill.com Pool tables, big-screen TVs and food: What more do you want from a sports bar?

New Brookland Tavern 122 State St., 803-791-4413 newbrooklandtavern.com New Brookland Tavern is Columbia’s most storied rock club, but it’s a damn fine bar, too, offering a fine array of specials and a bar stocked with much more than Pabst Blue Ribbon served up by friendly staff.

Platinum West 1995 Old Dunbar Rd., 803-794-6277 theplatinumplus.com Exactly like Platinum Plus, but in West Columbia (i.e., 803-the ladies have no shirts on.)

Rooster’s Den 1215 Augusta Rd., 803-794-8200 A members-only bar in Triangle City.

The Skyline Club 100 Lee St., 803-822-8608 skylinefunclub.com Where do you go in Columbia if you want to do the Boot-Scootin’ Boogie? This line-dancing bar near the airport, that’s where.

State Street Pub 136 State St., 803-796-2006 An across-the-bridge institution, State Street Pub wins its crowd with pool, cheap beer, sports and plenty of charm. Loads of beers on tap.

You’ll need to be a member, but you should be.

12 Tommy Circle, 803-771-0161 An off-the-beaten-path hole-inthe-wall not without its charms.

Comedy House 2768 Decker Blvd., 803-798-9898 comedyhouse.us Regional and national comedy acts stopping by regularly. Offers a full menu with steak, shrimp, chicken, burgers, sandwiches and appetizers.

The Mouse Trap 2711 Middleburg Dr., 803-799-2120 One of this town’s hidden gems, the bar is located beneath an office building in Middleburg Park.

Off the Rail 10327 Two Notch Rd., 803-708-4817 Nightly shot specials.

10005 Two Notch Rd., 803-736-5775 polliwogsc.com This state-of-the-art sports bar offers an attractive selection of viewing and dining possibilities.

And if you hate sports, there’s always karaoke.

Salud!

THURSDAYS

THROWBACK

T H U R S D AY ’ S w/ DJ Chadly D 9pm-Until

Polliwog’s

Classes from 7:30 - 8:30 Corona & Tequila Specials FRIDAY + SATURDAY

1101 Broad St., 803-425-4850 Taqueria and tequila lounge is the place to catch live jazz in Camden.

Solstice Kitchen & Wine Bar 841-4 Sparkleberry Ln., 803-788-6966 solsticekitchen.com Named Best Neighborhood Bar in northeast Columbia by readers in the 2013 Best of Columbia poll, and for good reason: It’s a great place to relax with a fancy cocktail.

Tsubaki 224 10 O’Neil Ct., 803-736-7474 Love karaoke? You’ll love Tsubaki, where the karaoke is as authentically Japanese as nextdoor Inakaya’s sushi.

Venue on Broad 1020 Broad St., 803-713-8333 This laid-back venue is the place to catch live music in Kershaw County, offering everything from singer-songwriters to popular local and regional rock acts.

free-times.com/restaurants

WEDNESDAYS

THE BEST DANCE PARTY IN TOWN! Streaming LIVE MUSIC at woodywindham.com Call 803-309-1283 to book your reservations or private parties

OPEN Wed–Sat 6pm

TheWoodyInTheVista A nightclub owned by legendary DJ Woody Windham

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Liberty on the Lake PHOTO BY JOHN CARLOS

Wild Wing Café 480 Town Center Place, Ste. 2; 803-865-3365, wildwingcafe.com Sure, Wild Wing Café has sandwiches, salads and soup, but the obvious draw is its 33 flavors of wings. If you can’t decide on one, get the sampler platter. Also boasts a ton of TVs, a party atmosphere and a steady stream of regional rock bands.

Harbison/Irmo/ Lake Murray/ Lexington/ St. Andrews British Bulldog Pub 1220 E10 Bowers Pkwy., 803-227-8918 thebritishbulldogpub.com A British pub in the middle of Irmo’s urban sprawl? Rad. A dinner menu of traditional U.K. cuisine is augmented with specials on Guinness and Irish whiskeys, but the Bulldog doesn’t forget us Yanks, offering basketball (and soccer, too) on big-screen televisions and multiple, cold domestics.

Carolina Ale House 277 Columbiana Dr., 803-407-6996 carolinaalehouse.com Southeastern chain grille-andgrog offers good eats, a good beer selection and plenty of televised sports.

Carolina Wings & Rib House 105 Northpoint Dr., 803-356-6244 carolinawings.com What can we say about this Columbia institution? They carry a good selection of bottled beers, and the assortment of buffalo wing flavors is enticing, too.

Copper River Grill 1230 B8 Bower Parkway, 803-749-4647 copperrivergrill.com Copper River Grill is a destination drinking spot for the entire Irmo/ St. Andrews area. A super-large bar area means you’ll always have someplace to sit, but it still gets crowded the later the night progresses.

Corner Pocket 489 Piney Grove Rd., 803-731-0403 Karaoke, cover bands and lots of pool. (Hence Corner Pocket. Get it?)

Wannabe pool sharks are welcome — but be ready to meet your match.

Goodfellas Grill & Bar 7608 U.S. 378., 803-951-4663 Classic Southern food and a laid-back atmosphere define this Lexington bar.

Halftime Sports Cantina 5122 Bush River Rd., 803-213-1300 halftimecantina.com This cantina offers plenty of sports, plenty of beer and plenty of pretty standard bar food.

Hemingway’s 7467 St. Andrews Rd., 803-749-6020 hemingwaysmusicpub.com A neighborhood institution in Irmo for years, Hemingway’s has been the watering hole of choice there for several reasons. Not content to do just one thing well, Hemingway’s is a sports bar, a great restaurant and a nice little music club all rolled into one. Papa would approve.

Keg Cowboy 108 E. Main St., 803-937-2337 kegcowboy.com A retail store, yes, but one with its own craft beer tavern — with some seriously adventurous stuff — and its own outdoor garden. Lovely.

Liberty on the Lake 1602 Marina Rd., 803-667-9715 Yo dog, we heard you love Liberty Tap Room so we put a Liberty on the lake so you can Liberty at the Lake. Offers all the accoutrements of Liberty’s downtown drinkery with the added scenery of Lake Murray. Forty-eight beers on tap.

Forty-eight!

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Main Street Steakhouse and Bar

Tsunami

131 E. Main St., 803-808-5886 This steakhouse and hang out replaced the little Greek restaurant that previously held this space. Like its predecessor, it frequently hosts live music.

1290 Bower Pkwy., 803-407-3873 tsunamicompany.com Like its sister Vista location, Tsunami’s elegant, contemporary atmosphere and ample seating area complement its extensive sake, wine and beer selection.

Platinum Plus

Wild Wing Café

362 Jacob Rd., 803-731-0555 Good (or bad): The girls at Platinum Plus take their clothes off. Better (or worse): Platinum Plus serves booze.

Rusty Anchor 1925 Johnson Marina Rd., 803-749-1555 rustyanchorrestaurant.com Sliding glass doors opened most of the year offer a great view of Lake Murray. And live entertainment on The Quarterdeck outside jazzes up the summer months.

Schooners 6226 Bush River Rd., 803-661-6138 schoonersbarandgrill.com On the eastern shores of Lake Murray by the confluence of Bush River Road, North Lake Drive and Lake Murray Boulevard, Schooners is a simple unassuming bar and grill, offering daily specials, cheap wings, televisions and live music.

1150 Bower Pkwy., 803-749-9464 wildwingcafe.com Sure, Wild Wing Café has sandwiches, salads and soup, but the obvious draw is its 33 flavors of wings. If you can’t decide on one, get the sampler platter. Also boasts a ton of TVs, a party atmosphere and a steady stream of regional rock bands.

Wings ‘n’ Ale 154 Ellis Ave., 803-359-4475 Specializing in wings, beer and pool, Wings ‘n’ Ale has an ample supply of all three. If you’re looking for a place where the odds of getting a table are better than making a masse shot, this is it.

Classic and modern rock flows as freely as the brew. Not your khaki and button-down crowd.

Tipsy Toad Tavern 103 Beaufort St., 803-932-4470 The Tipsy Toad brings a good beer selection and Vista-style atmosphere to the lake area.

free-times.com/restaurants

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P L E N T Y O F S PAC E , AND LOTS OF

G R E AT TA S T E W E E K LY S P E C I A L S T U E S D AY $ 6 G Y R O T H U R S D AY $ 6 P I Z Z A P H I L LY F R I D AY

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DA M A S C U S B R E A D (SMALL)

W I T H P U R C H A S E O F A N Y E N T R É W H E N YO U P R E S E N T T H I S C O U P O N // E X P I R E S D E C . 3 1 2 0 1 5

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1734 main st. columbia, sc (corner of Main & Laurel)

hummus (SMALL)

W I T H P U R C H A S E O F A N Y E N T R É W H E N YO U P R E S E N T T H I S C O U P O N // E X P I R E S D E C . 3 1 2 0 1 5

803.401.5882

Located in the old Elite Epicurean Restaurant

Columbiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premier dining destination.

Located at 920 Gervais Street in the historic Congaree Vista since 1989. For menu & hours, visit motorsupplycobistro.com.

Talk with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter (@motorsupply).